Tarpon Springs woman charged with 46 counts of animal cruelty

Clearwater, Florida - A Tarpon Springs woman is charged with 46 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office filed the charges on Wednesday afternoon.

The Suncoast Animal League and the Pinellas Sheriff's office went to Teresita Hughes' home last April and seized 121 Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers and Malteses.

Deputies say most of the dogs were confined with no room to exercise, feces in their food and were constantly barking. Suncoast Animal League took possession of the dogs and has incurred over $100,000 in vet bills.

In July, Pinellas Judge Myra McNary ruled that the animal rescue group didn't get permission from Pinellas County Commission to take the dogs into custody and therefore, had no right to adopt out the animals.

The judge ordered that half of the dogs be returned to Hughes. The return of the dogs is on hold while Suncoast appeals the ruling.

Teresita Hughes will be arraigned on the animal cruelty charges in a Pinellas County courtroom on August 18.