Ballard County couple charged with animal cruelty

A Ballard County couple was charged with animal cruelty on Tuesday after authorities said they found 25 cats that had not been properly cared for.

The Ballard County Sheriff's office said a deputy received a tip there was a case of animal cruelty taking place at a home in Kevil. The deputy interviewed witnesses and obtained a search warrant for the residence. 

Deputies and Ballard County Animal Control reportedly found several cats that had been abused and not were not being cared for. Authorities said they removed 25 cats, placed them with various nonprofits and sought medical treatment for them. They said there were also four cats that were found deceased. 

Deputies arrested the owners, 23-year-old Matthew Cohen, Jr., and 24-year-old Leah G. Cowen. Both were charged with 29 counts of torture of a cat with serious physical injury or death.

Matthew was additionally charged with failure to notify the Department of Transportation of address change.