Authorities have excavated at least 20 animals from the family's backyard in Selden, according to the SPCA. The investigation comes after neighbours say their pets have gone missing, one by one.
Sharon McDonough, 43, was arrested on Saturday after neighbours called police on suspicion of animal abuse and neglect.
Five dogs, a cat, a bird and a hamster were taken from the house on Friday after investigators suspected they were in "imminent danger." Authorities say they were found cramped in cages, covered in their own filth.
McDonough lives with her seven children, which range in age from 18 months to 21, neighbours said. Sources say McDonough frequently involved her children in the animal killings by asking them to hold pets down as she tortured them. Authorities are now also investigating allegations of child abuse.
McDonough could still face larceny charges if any of the animals are found to have belonged to people in the neighbourhood. The excavation and investigation is ongoing.
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