Previous tenant accused of leaving dogs, cat behind for days after moving out

ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — Albany Police say they have arrested a 43-year-old woman on animal cruelty charges.

Police say with the assistance of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and City of Albany Animal Control, responded to a rental property on Western Avenue on January 17th.

MORE: Cat recovered from a duffel bag left abandoned near trash cans in Albany

According to police, the previous tenant, later identified as Christine Berghela, is accused of leaving animals behind after moving out.

MORE: 24 people indicted in nationwide drug, weapons and money laundering conspiracies

Police say officers discovered five mixed breed dogs, one adult male, one adult female and three puppies, inside the home, as well as an adult male cat, all left without food or water for several days.

The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society says that fish were also recovered.

According to investigators, the property was also trashed, with feces, urine and garbage left behind.

Berghela was charged with six counts of animal Cruelty and is scheduled to appear in Albany City Criminal Court on February 7, 2023

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society say they currently have 12 active cruelty cases and is caring for over 50 animal victims of abuse and neglect. They tell us that three dogs and the cat were already adopted.