Monday, Nov. 09, 2009

Officials: NY woman had 20 dogs buried in yard

SELDEN, N.Y. -- Authorities in New York say a woman who had about 20 dead dogs buried in her backyard on Long Island faces a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge.

Suffolk County SPCA official Roy Gross says five dogs were found in small cages without food or water at the Selden, N.Y. home. A cat also was rescued.

The rescued dogs are a shepherd mix, a beagle mix, an Italian greyhound, a cocker spaniel mix and a pug.

The greyhound has been adopted; homes were being sought for the other animals.

The defendant is a widowed mother of seven. She has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court Tuesday in Central Islip (EYE'-slip.)

She could go to prison if convicted of animal cruelty.

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