A 52-year-old woman from Somerset is facing multiple charges of animal cruelty and neglect after police allegedly discovered dead animals kept in bags and several pets living in deplorable conditions at her residence.
Mary Henry was charged following an animal welfare complaint received by police on August 16, 2025, concerning a house on Cherry Lane. According to the criminal complaint, officers responding to the call noticed a strong foul smell coming from bags placed near the porch and along the side of the house. No one was home at the time.
Dead animals found in bags outside home
Police later returned and met Henry, who reportedly told officers that the bags contained a dead dog and several dead cats. She gave consent for the bags to be searched, and officers confirmed the presence of the deceased animals.
Henry allegedly told police that the dog died due to a flea infestation and that she was unable to bury it as she did not have a shovel. She further claimed the cats had been given to her by another person and were already unwell, suffering from eye infections and respiratory issues. According to her statement, the cats died before she could take them to a veterinarian.
Living animals kept in ‘deplorable conditions’
Officers were also granted permission to inspect the inside of the house, where they found five dogs and five cats living in what police described as deplorable conditions. The animals were reportedly infested with fleas, with fleas seen jumping throughout the home. Police noted that several dogs had thinning hair, open sores and poor skin conditions.
Concerned that the conditions could cause serious injury or death, police sought assistance from the Somerset County District Attorney’s Office to remove the animals.
Animals rescued, medical treatment provided
The Somerset County Animal Response Team helped transport the animals, which were taken to Helping Hearts and Healing Tail. The cats were later examined by a veterinarian and found to have fleas, ear mites and worms. The dogs were taken to Ebensburg Animal Hospital for treatment, vaccinations and blood work.
Henry now faces one felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals, eight misdemeanor cruelty charges and 20 summary counts of animal neglect. She was released on $25,000 unsecured bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 10.