A Galloway Township woman who had nearly two dozen sick animals removed from her home this summer was indicted Tuesday.
Lourdes Martinez, 34, faces 22 counts of third-degree animal cruelty in an indictment handed up by a grand jury.
She was arrested July 22, after numerous complaints from neighbors about the unsanitary conditions of her animals led to a search warrant.
The home was covered in cat urine, feces, garbage and mold, according to he complaint.
There were 21 cats who a veterinarian later determined were suffering from respiratory illnesses and eye infections, the charges claim. A dog also was found suffering from untreated illnesses and malnutrition.
None of the animals had access to clean food or water.
The animals are at the Atlantic County Animal Shelter but not up for adoption pending the case, BreakingAC has learned.
Martinez is out of jail while the charges are pending.
