PRESTONSBURG — A Prestonsburg woman was arrested Thursday, after Floyd County Animal Control and sheriff’s deputies found dozens of maltreated, barely alive dogs, as well as garbage bags full of dead dogs in one home.

Authorities say Vanessa Howard, of Prestonsburg, had in her possession 30 animals and neglected to provide adequate food, drink, space, health and care to animal. Howard was arrested Thursday by Floyd County Sheriff’s deputies and lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center. She was arraigned Friday afternoon.

According to the criminal complaint, Howard had seven dead dogs inside a garbage bag on her front porch and two other dogs were found dead inside her home at 1815 Abbott Creek. Twelve dogs were found inside the home.

In Howard’s Prestonsburg residence at 127 North Front Street, authorities found “nine cats living in feces and no health care and were blocked inside a small area for living quarters.”

Howard has been charged with 30 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals.

Beth Shortridge, with the Floyd County Attorney’s Office, says Howard also maintains a residence in Montgomerty County, and that the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office had been notified to investigate that residence. At press time, there was no word of any additional charges.

Howard is being held on a $25,000 full cash bond.

Second-degree cruelty to animals is a Class A misdemeanor and carries with it a possible maximum sentence of 12 months in jail.