Police: Salem couple arrested on 35 counts of animal neglect, stored cats in U-Haul

SALEM, Ore. -- A Salem couple was arrested and charged following an investigation into possible animal abuse.

At 4:30 p.m. Thursday, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Salem Police Department and requested to investigate.

The suspect, Richard Kleimeier, 52, a City of Salem employee, and his wife, Jenny Kleimeier, 46 an employee with the State of Oregon, were suspected of being in possession of over 30 cats and possibly neglecting them.

When deputies arrived at the residence in the 4800 block of Carolina Avenue NE, they determined the couple stored 35 cats in a U-Haul for three days without food or water, according to the sheriff's office.

The cats were kept inside laundry baskets which were zip-tied together to keep the animals sealed in, the report said.

"Sadly, during this time frame, three of the cats died," the sheriff's office said. "With the assistance of the Willamette Humane Society, 32 cats were surrendered and taken for treatment of various ailments believed to be related to their neglect."

The Kleimeiers were arrested, taken to the Marion County Jail and later released after being booked for three counts of Animal Neglect I and 32 counts of Animal Neglect II.

The Kleimeiers are scheduled to appear in court on January 18 at 9:30 a.m. at the Circuit Court Annex located on Aumsville Highway.