Woman faces animal cruelty charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A Buffalo woman faced charges Friday that she kept dozens of animals in filthy conditions in two Buffalo homes.

Joanne McGrath pleaded not guilty to 50 counts of animal cruelty.

The SPCA says it had to rescue a dog and 49 cats from deplorable conditions at the Saint Francis Animal Sanctuary on Sayre Street and McGrath's Arkansas Street home.

They believe McGrath is an "animal hoarder", which is a form of addictive behavior.

SPCA Public Relations Director, Gina Browning said, "There is a part of this mental illness that precludes the victim from seeing the reality of the situation, so we have gone into hoarder homes that they've had animals that are alive, they've had animals right on the property that are deceased."

"I was only trying to do good for animals. I'm not the kind of person they're portraying me to be," McGrath said.

McGrath is due back in Buffalo City Court next Friday.