MIDDLETOWN - Don't be surprised if distressed felines are sleeping off a catnip stupor this morning. They likely were celebrating Monday after learning the city prosecutor dropped criminal charges against their heroine, Barbara Miltenberger.
Last month, the woman tried to rescue a 4-pound gray-and-white kitty named Scottie that was stuck in a tree. But after scaling an aluminum ladder, the woman found herself in the same predicament: calling for help to get down from the tree.
After the rescue, the 46-year-old woman was charged with inducing panic. Firefighters said it was "foolish" for the good Samaritan to use an aluminum ladder near power lines.
But in Middletown Municipal Court on Monday, city Prosecutor Bruce Fassler said there was not enough evidence to prosecute Ms. Miltenberger.
After court, Ms. Miltenberger vowed she will continue her rescue efforts. But from now on, she won't call the fire department if she gets stuck, and she won't be using aluminum ladders.
"Three weeks ago I climbed a wooden ladder and rescued four kittens," she said.
As for Scottie, the healthy 1-year-old cat is looking for a good home. He can be adopted through PAWS Adoption Center in Middletown. Information: (513) 422-7297.
