PETALUMA, Calif. - A man found living with more than 1,300 rats last
year faces new charges after 37 rats and six cats were seized from the
filthy cabin of his sailboat, animal control officers said.

Roger Dier of Petaluma was cited for cruelty to animals and confining
animals in too small of a space following the discovery of the animals
Thursday in the boat anchored on the Petaluma River.

"The cabin was covered with urine and feces," said Jeff Charter, a
senior animal control officer.

When Charter asked Dier how he could live with such a smell, Dier said
"I don't even notice it anymore," Charter said.

The animals all appeared to be in good condition and were taken to a
shelter.

"I think I'm the victim of a vendetta and persecution," Dier said.

Dier bought the 29-foot sailboat after being evicted from his
one-bedroom home. Authorities in June found the home covered with rat
droppings and reeking of urine, with rats stacked in cages so
overcrowded that many had missing eyes and limbs.