Michael Jenkins, 65, and Annette C. Jenkins, 63, both of Frackville, were each charged with one count of Cruelty to Animals, a second-degree misdemeanor, following an investigation by the Frackville Police Department. Court records show the charges were filed Monday before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli.
According to an affidavit filed by Frackville Police, they were asked to check on the residence at 147 North Balliet Street on May 20, 2026, after the Schuylkill County Sheriff's Office had evicted the occupants and given them until 2:00 p.m. to remove their belongings.
Police said they received reports that the couple planned to leave numerous cats behind at the property. During initial contact, the Jenkinses reportedly told authorities they had removed most of the cats from the home, placing some in their vehicle or a U-Haul moving truck. They also claimed they had contacted several shelters in an attempt to surrender the animals, but that the shelters were full.
The affidavit states that arrangements were made for two animal shelters to take custody of approximately 10 cats.
However, on May 26, the owner of the property reportedly informed police that numerous cats had been left inside the residence without food or water. The property owner said a witness had been feeding the cats and that both Michael and Annette Jenkins had left several cats outside as well.
Two days later, on May 28, police returned to the property after learning that volunteers with Save the Strays were trapping some of the cats. Officers were told there were still at least three cats inside the residence and at least three more outside, not including a cat that had reportedly been struck and killed by a vehicle over the weekend.
A volunteer told police the conditions inside the home were "horrible," with an overwhelming odor of cat urine. The volunteer reported observing a large amount of cat urine on the floor and walls and said there were concerns about possible hoarding conditions inside the residence.
The property owner told investigators that approximately 30 cats had been living inside the residence before the eviction. The owner also said a cat that later died after being struck by a vehicle had escaped from the U-Haul during the move.
Police also spoke with a witness who reportedly observed several cats running around the property after the couple moved out. The witness said Annette Jenkins returned at least once and attempted to retrieve one of the cats but did not see either resident return with food for the remaining animals.
Based on the investigation, police allege that Michael and Annette Jenkins intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly mistreated and abandoned the cats.