Animal rights activist Sandra Lertzman of Moreland Hills, Ohio took her own life on Nov. 4 at age 62, along with 31 dogs she took in. Police found Lertzman dead in her running car, secreted in her garage, along with her dogs—one canine managed to survive. 20 cats were recovered from the home and were given to a family member.
The NY Daily News reports Lertzman left a suicide note along with numerous prescription bottles in the vehicle. The cause of death of Lertzman and the dogs has not yet been determined.
According to The Huffington Post Lertzman was an adamant animal rights activist involved in rescuing and boarding animals in need. Lertzman championed animal rights for wildlife as well, combating the senseless slaughter of deer. Lertzman founded the Animal Rights Foundation with the hope to revitalize old laws and enact new ones to protect the livelihood and welfare of animals, both wild and domestic.
image: NY Daily News