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KALISPELL - A Marion couple found has learned that they are facing charges of aggravated animal cruelty after over 100 cats were seized from their property.

The Flathead County Attorney's Office charged Edwin James Criswell and Cheryl Lee Criswell with one felony count each of aggravated cruelty to animals on Thursday.

The animal's plight came to light after the Flathead County Sheriff's office responded to the scene of two trailers in Marion for reports of a couple that was starving.

"Of course the initial concern was for the people, they didn't have adequate shelter, heat, food, clothing. But additionally they had over 100 cats and several dogs," commented Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry.

He added that after examination, the county attorney's office decided to file the charges against the Criswell's based on the condition of the animals.

"They were examined by a veterinarian and their condition was found to be poor. Many of them were not in good health, so the case was forwarded to the county attorney's office for review and any prosecution they felt appropriate," Curry added.

Volunteers at the Flathead County Spay and Neuter Task Force spent the holidays dealing with 112 neglected cats that were seized by the county from the couple, some in dire need of medical attention.

"Awesome, awesome, awesome volunteers, of course the task force is such boots on the ground type of folk, and they've been just incredible...We got the trailers here on site, the 23rd...it started right before Christmas Eve, and right through the holidays and we had so many people helped out," said the task force's Myni Ferguson.

These cats, some of whom are blind, or have other feline diseases, will be nursed back to health, and then following the investigation, they will be adopted out to the public.

But Ferguson says this is just one small battle. "I wish that the law would understand...that these [type of] folks...don't quit unless they give them the mental help they need.

"The Criswell's, who initially came to Montana from Idaho, were allegedly found with almost 400 cats in their possesion.

Ferguson believes Montana should pass special hording laws to prevent this kind of thing from happening again.