Woman who was facing cat abuse charges dies

By Janine Anderson

Friday, April 28, 2006 2:10 AM CDT

MILWAUKEE - Nicole Piotrowski, the woman charged with selling kittens so sick they died within days of reaching their new homes, died last week.

Piotrowski, 38, was charged with multiple counts of mistreatment of animals causing death, theft by fraud and intentionally mistreating animals in January, after Burlington police received several complaints from people who had allegedly bought kittens from Piotrowski. She was arrested after officers orchestrated a kitten purchase. Court records show she moved to Milwaukee in March.

Piotrowski died at her Milwaukee home April 21. Her death is being investigated by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office; an autopsy will be performed.

According to the investigation report, Piotrowski died after she began to "behave in a bizarre manner." The report states she was acting panicky and attempted to hide in small spaces and beneath a stool. After about 30 minutes she collapsed on the floor. Her son called 911. Her heart had stopped by the time paramedics arrived.

A friend that arrived on the scene told police Piotrowski has previously used cocaine and that she has bought prescription psychiatric medication on the street. No illegal drugs were found on the scene; a prescription bottle containing various pills was found in the home.

She was next due in Racine County Circuit Court on May 22. Her attorney had challenged the finding of probable cause, which allowed the state to issue charges.

Piotrowski's criminal case will be closed. People who believe they bought sick kittens from Piotrowski may still be able to seek damages from her estate in civil court.

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