A former Aliquippa woman, Leigh Mercandante, is facing 81 charges, after police found 15 dead cats in her former residence. Aliquippa police went to the house after neighbors had called, complaining of a horrible smell, and uncut grass. The police arrived at the house and immediately called the Beaver County Humane Society who sent employee Celena Kelly as well as shelter manager, Shannon O’Neill, out to investigate. Along with the estimated 15 dead cats, ten adult cats, and two kittens, were taken to the shelter alive, and later euthanized, due to severe medical issues. Mercandante is facing 27 counts each of aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals, and neglect of animals. As of today, no court date has been announced.