14 dead cats found in suitcase

A North Carolina woman has been charged after police say 14 dead cats were found in a suitcase near a trash bin at an apartment complex.

41-year-old Aimee Cook of Cornelius was charged with 14 felony counts of animal cruelty.

Police say an employee at the complex discovered the suitcase containing the dead kittens and cats on Oct. 15. Authorities say the employee was able to identify the suspect based on recognition of the suitcase outside the her apartment and one of the deceased felines.

Police say that Cook was found and questioned about the dead cats.  They say she confessed to killing the animals and said she was overwhelmed "due to recent unplanned litters."

Cook told officers she tried to take the cats to no-kill shelters but was unsuccessful and euthanized them.  The Cornelius Animal Shelter says it was not contacted by Cook.

It isn't immediately clear if Cook had an attorney.