Nov 10, 2009 7:14 pm US/Eastern
Alleged 'Pet Cemetery' Woman To Get Psych Test
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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Investigators found a backyard burial ground, with the remains of at least 20 animals, behind the home of Long Island mother Sharon McDonough.
CBS
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Sharon McDonough, 43, is charged with animal cruelty after investigators found a backyard burial ground, with the remains of at least 20 animals, behind her home.
CBS
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Sharon McDonough, 43, is charged with animal cruelty after investigators found a backyard burial ground, with the remains of at least 20 animals, behind her home.
CBS
Suspected animal abuser Sharon McDonough was ordered by a family court judge to undergo psychiatric counseling. Her seven children were instructed to receive therapy and were turned over to foster care and relatives, pending the outcome of the sensational criminal charges of animal cruelty, and allegations she instructed her daughters to torture animals.
Police said the bodies of 20 dead dogs were dug up in her backyard.
"She's plead not guilty. The law presumes she is innocent. And she is standing by her plea," said James d'Angelo, McDonough's defense attorney.
Her son Doug told authorities their backyard was a pet cemetery. "It was a concentration camp for the animals," he said.
Neighbors in Selden told reporters some of their pets were missing, and others smelled unpleasant odors.
"We were sitting in my neighbor's yard having lunch, there was a strong odor coming from the house," said Chariklia Cingari, McDonough's neighbor.
The McDonough's house is now defaced by the words "guilty" on the mailbox and "killer" on the garage. Two windows were broken and raw eggs were smashed on the family car. Police were investigating.
"We used to see her at the bus stop here," said neighbor Steve Martinez. "(The children) seemed fine."
Five live, neglected dogs were rescued from inside the home and are now being treated.
"Any animal lover is going to be upset by this and what's going on with the children as well. The whole situation is just devastating," said Michelle Curtin of Second Chance Wildlife Rescue.
The SPCA said they should be able to determine within a few days if the dead dogs were starved or tortured.
McDonough is due back in court on December 7. A judge said once a psychiatric evaluation was complete, she may regain custody of her children.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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