A Coaldale woman accused of severe animal cruelty and neglect will be heading to Schuylkill County Court.

Bethany Bachert, 70, of Bull Run Street, appeared for a preliminary hearing Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer. All 78 charges filed against her by Coaldale police were held for court.

Bachert was charged after law enforcement personnel rescued 17 dogs and other animals from her property in May.

She is facing six felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals (torture) and five felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals (causing death). She also was charged with 18 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals; 17 counts of misdemeanor neglect of animals for failing to provide food and water; 11 counts of misdemeanor neglect of animals for failing to provide necessary veterinary care; and 20 summary counts of failing to provide shelter or protection.

While executing a search warrant, police found 17 severely malnourished dogs, many with skin, eye and ear conditions. Police said the interior of the home was covered in animal waste and elevated amounts of ammonia were detected. Remains of “feline-type” animals were found on the second floor, police said. Officers found an aquatic turtle in a tank without water and birds in a cage filled with droppings.

No food or water was available for any of the animals.

Coaldale police said the animals had suffered long periods of neglect and cruelty.

The dogs — 15 Great Pyrenees and two collies — were taken to the Pennsylvania SPCA for treatment. PSPCA officials called the dogs’ conditions “shocking” and said that they had been suffering for some time.

“The docile dogs accept the care we give either standing stock still or shaking. We can’t imagine the fear they must feel … but we hope they know that the trauma they have experienced in life is behind them,” the PSPCA said in a Facebook post.

A few of the dogs have been adopted, but others are awaiting forever homes. They are available from the PSPCA’s headquarters, 350 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, and Main Line Animal Rescue in Chester Springs.

Bachert remains free on $25,000 unsecured bail.