A Coaldale woman will spend 3-6 months in jail on charges she abused animals at her home.

Schuylkill County Judge Christina Hale sentenced Bethany Bachert, 70, of Bull Run Street, to 3-6 months each, concurrently, on three counts of animal cruelty after police found severely undernourished and hairless dogs, other animals, and animal carcasses in her home when police answered a complaint of 8-10 dogs who were emaciated on May 17.

According to Coaldale police, they obtained the licenses of the dogs at the home, and all were found to be registered to Bachert. Despite requests to have her surrender the animals, she refused, Later that day, Coaldale police, state police, the Pennsylvania SPCA and Tamaqua police executed a search warrant at Bachert’s residence.

All dogs were removed and taken by the PSPCA for treatment. 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.

Police said a strong order emanated from the property, and the interior was covered in animal waste. Elevated amounts of ammonia were also detected throughout the residence.

Police said the condition of the residence and animals indicates prolonged neglect and cruelty, with hazardous ammonia levels and unsanitary conditions.

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. 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.

Bachert was charged with 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. All but three of the charges were dropped.