On Monday 2/8, at 12:16 the Sheriff department reported that Kimberly Maggio, 49, of Frazier Park was arrested for animal cruelty.  She had 7 dogs, 12 cats and 1 rat in her tiny home at 624 Elm Trail.  Deputies completed an eviction from Maggio's foreclosed house by escorting her off of the property.  While securing the residence, deputies noticed several animals living in deplorable conditions.

Deputies were called on to evict her from the foreclosed house and said "The house smelled of urine and feces to the point that it burned the eyes and throat."   One small, deceased dog was even found in the freezer.

Animal Control began an investigation into the living conditions of the animals and found the animals had no fresh water.  Some of the animals had their legs covered in feces.

Candace Huskey of the Shelter on the Hill effort said Maggio is an animal hoarder.  Guy Shaw from Kern Animal Control declined to confirm Huskey's assessment saying "animal hoarding is a medical condition".  Read Huskey's research paper on animal hoarding for more information about this condition.

Kimberly Maggio ran an animal rescue effort.  Her business is called Perfect Paws and she has a website at www.perfectsites.com/PPRG/.  The site gives the appearance that Maggio had a legitimate operation.  The site even has four testimonials, termed "Happy Tails", about client adoption experiences.  According to the site, Perfect Paws was founded in 1999.

Local resident Jennifer Mays had a different experience.  She said she spent a good week back in May 2009 cleaning the "disgusting" place.  Allegedly, Maggio couldn't pay and instead gave a chihuahua.  Mays said Maggio later insisted on the right to visit the dog to make sure it was being well cared for.

According to Mays, she was sued for over $300 when she denied Maggio.  "Her house was a complete mess and she wanted to make sure I was taking care of the dog?" said Mays.  "The dog was hairless when I took him home.  He's fine now.  He has his hair again."  Mays told The Mountain Daily News that she was bitten by one of the dogs at Maggio's home.

Jennifer Mays went on to describe the incredible filth.  She said there was a surplus of donated litter boxes; none of which were being used.

The desire for visitation rights appears to be consistent with the mental imbalance known as animal hoarding as described by Candace Huskey and Wikipedia.  More animals than an owner can reasonably care for, yet the refusal to admit a problem and an unhealthy attachment to animals that are adopted.

Kimberly Maggio lived at 624 Elm Trail