The operator of a cat shelter who previously pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges was ordered to jail yesterday after a judge learned that the woman had violated the terms of her bond.

Linda Bruno, 47, who legally changed her name to Lin Marie, pleaded guilty in July to 14 counts that include animal cruelty and tampering with public records. She faces maximum time of two years in prison on each count and a $12,000 fine.

Ms. Bruno yesterday appeared before Common Pleas Court Judge Jill Rangos for a sentencing hearing, but Judge Rangos suspended the hearing after hearing testimony from humane officers and seeing evidence that had returned to her farm in Frazer, known as Tiger Ranch.

Assistant District Attorney Deborah Jugan presented photos and video clips of what the judge said appeared to be evidence that Ms. Bruno violated several key conditions of the nominal bond that allowed her to remain free while awaiting sentencing.

Judge Rangos was dismayed to hear that Ms. Bruno had visited the old ranch; had continued to provide food and litter for animals; had lived with her mother in Sarver, not obtaining a permanent address whereby she could receive court papers; and failed to submit to a mental health evaluation, all in violation of her bond.

"Needless to say, this is very disconcerting information that I've received," Judge Rangos said. "At the minimum ... it's suspicious."

Officials seized nearly 400 cats during a March 13, 2008, raid on the Tiger Ranch cat sanctuary. Most of the animals were shipped to a temporary shelter in Clarion County, although 126 of the animals were euthanized or died on their own that night and in the days following the raid.

She was arraigned on about 600 counts that were reduced to 14 in exchange for her guilty plea.

After learning about the bond violations, Judge Rangos halted the hearing and ordered Richard Manning, a detective in the Allegheny County sheriff's office, to inspect Tiger Ranch for evidence.

Detective Manning returned a few hours later to report a handful of Ms. Bruno's supporters had gotten there first.

Animal rights activists outside the gates pointed out where one Bruno supporter was burning empty and used bags of pet food and litter.

Four or five stray cats were seen inside and outside of the large garage that once the hub of the integrated shelter, the detective said.

The judge then ordered Ms. Bruno to jail but said she could apply for alternative housing pending sentencing on Dec. 4.

Ms. Bruno's attorney said she had been back to the property only once, to pick up mail.

Ms. Bruno said yesterday that she has lived for the past three or four days at the Days Inn in Harmar.

"How ridiculous," Judge Rangos said, that five of Ms. Bruno's supporters, "raced to her property to have a bonfire."

She said she would leave it to the district attorney's office to decide whether anyone should be charged for yesterday's actions at Tiger Ranch.

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