WOMAN CHARGED AFTER CAT FOOD WAS FOUND CONTAMINATED WITH BLEACH IN DISTURBING CHESTER CASE

A woman caught on video pouring bleach onto food meant for neighborhood cats is now facing criminal charges.
The video, which spread widely online and sparked concern among animal lovers, led investigators to charge Lauren Ashley Carter, 35, of Chester with two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, according to court records.

Residents first raised concerns in April after a video appeared to show Carter pouring a liquid believed to be bleach onto piles of cat food left out for a colony of neighborhood cats in Chester, Delaware County.
The woman who recorded the video said she has been feeding the neighborhood cats for about 15 years.
In the footage, a cat named Jumper can be seen approaching the food before backing away.

According to a criminal complaint, Carter later told police that she poured bleach on the cat food. Authorities said there is no evidence that any animals consumed the affected food.
The Pennsylvania SPCA said it was notified about the incident and carried out a search warrant at Carter’s home alongside law enforcement the following day.
No animals were reported harmed, according to the SPCA. Jumper was later found at his home and appeared unharmed.

Court records show Carter was charged on Thursday, May 28. Her case remains active and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
A preliminary arraignment is scheduled before Magisterial District Judge Wilden H. Davis at 11 a.m. on 29, according to the docket.
If convicted, the charges carry potential penalties that include fines and jail time.