The Belmont County Animal Shelter tells me they've filed charges against Mary Kindle of Bellaire.

Bellaire police say the 79 year old woman was neglecting the animals in her house...And the original charges filed were for obnoxious odors coming from her home.

The charges filed this morning were filed by Humane Officer Lisa Williams. Shelter Supervisor Verna Painter tells me the charges are for animal cruelty and for the assault of Williams when she came to Kindle's house after a court order to remove the animals. Painter says the abuse has to stop.

"This is a prime example of backyard breeding...We want this abuse stopped in Belmont county...These animals have been neglected," says Painter.

"We don't want to gang up on a 79 year old woman...But her actions caused harm to these animals at her location," says Bellaire Police Chief Bob Wallace.

"This lady does believe she's going to get these animals back. Our hope is that no judge would ever return these animals...And she should not be allowed to own an animal for the maximum time of 2 years, " says Painter.

Painter tells me the animals were neglected as far as veterinary care... Most were infested with fleas...Several have skin infections... Matting of their fur and some even have feces matted in their fur.

Painter says hundred of dollars has been spent on the animals for bladder stones, a kidney tumor and pregnancy.

I tried to get in touch with Kindle today - but could not reach her for comment. Her court date is set for September 30th.

From the Belmont County Mobile Newsroom,

Julie Grant, NEWS 9.