Dead cats found in the dumpster of a Lower Towamensing Township business were drowned before they were placed inside, according to state police.

Troopers filed charges against a Jim Thorpe woman who they say killed the cats and placed them in a dumpster. Jessica K. Gould, 46, has been charged with six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

The dead cats were discovered Sept. 25 in a dumpster on the property of Ampal Inc., 2115 Little Gap Road.

Four dead cats were found inside the dumpster. Another, live cat was removed but died the next day at a veterinary clinic.

The cat carrier was placed in a plastic bag, inside a cardboard box. Other trash found near the carrier identified Gould as a possible suspect. When troopers contacted her, Gould allegedly told them that she drowned six cats by placing them in a cat carrier, which she submerged in water.

Gould allegedly told troopers that she thought the cats were ill, but never consulted a veterinarian about their illness.

She was arraigned last week on six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony, and released on $5,000 unsecured bail.

Gould declined to comment on the charges when reached on Monday.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 3 before Magisterial District Judge William J. Kissner.