Former Humane Society director pleads to animal mistreatment

Fargo, N.D. (AP) A former director of the Fargo-Moorhead Humane Society has pleaded guilty to animal mistreatment.

Gail Widmer will be on probation for a year, and she's been ordered to pay $600 in fees.

West Fargo police say the 29-year-old Widmer was keeping animals locked in a back bedroom of her apartment.

An officer says the stench of urine and feces was so strong she almost vomited when she visited the apartment to investigate a complaint.

Widmer was director of the Fargo-Moorhead Humane Society from August 2003 to August 2004.

East Central District Judge Wade Webb says if Widmer completes her probation without incident, her guilty plea may be withdrawn and the case dismissed.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-14-07 0656CST | save this article / add to your favorites list