A Coaldale woman was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect related to the May rescue of 17 dogs and other animals from her property in May.

Coaldale police charged Bethany Bachert, 70, of Bull Run Street, Friday on six counts of felony aggravated cruelty to animals; 18 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals; 17 counts of misdemeanor neglect of animals for failing to provide food and water; and 11 counts of misdemeanor neglect of animals for failing to provide necessary veterinary care.

She arraigned before Tamaqua Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer who set bail at $25,000 unsecured. Police said there are stringent conditions to the bail.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Coaldale police, officers received a tip on May 17 about 8-10 severely malnourished and hairless dogs on Bachert’s property.

On May 20, police obtained dog licenses for all the animals at the address, and found all were registered to Bachert. Despite attempts to have her surrender the adult dogs, she refused.

Later that day, Coaldale police, Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania SPCA and Tamaqua police executed a search warrant at Bachert’s residence.

Police said a strong, order emanated from the property, and the interior was covered in animal waste. “Personnel who entered the home were unable to move throughout the residence without stepping or sliding in the waste of the animals,” according to police. Elevated amounts of ammonia were also detected throughout the residence.

Police said an aquatic turtle was in a glass tank with no water, and two birds were in cages filled with waste and droppings.

On the second floor, multiple “deceased to skeletal remains of feline-type animals” were observed in a bedroom, police wrote in their report. No food or water for the animals was observed at the home.

Due to the condition of the residence, limited personnel were able to enter the property for the removal and documentation process, police said.

According to police, as the Great Pyrenees and collies were removed, they were observed to be underweight with bony protrusions easily visible. Multiple dogs had scabbing, hair loss to no hair, bleeding, discharge from their eyes and long, curling nails.

All were removed and taken by the PSPCA for treatment.

Police said Bachert was interviewed and surrendered all animals to the PSPCA.

“The condition of the residence and animals indicates prolonged neglect and cruelty, with hazardous ammonia levels and unsanitary conditions,” police said.

On July 17, police received reports from the PSPCA.

Based on the examinations and statements from Bachert, police said “Bachert did knowingly and intentionally torture six dogs” the PSPCA identified as Kissy Face, Coda, Crazy Daisy, Morgan White, Sophie White and Lady Antebellum. All six were emaciated and had a multitude of serious problems ranging from mange to ear infections, police said.

Eleven additional rescued dogs also had similar conditions. The canines have been under the care of veterinarians, and last week, several of the dogs were available for adoption.