Shamokin Woman Charged with Animal Neglect and Cruelty

ASHLAND — A Shamokin woman is facing charges of animal cruelty after allegedly mistreating animals at an Ashland residence.  Police said that 43 year old Trisha Lynn Howard faces more than 30 criminal charges after mistreating 10 animals.  Howard is charged with counts including felony animal cruelty, animal neglect and animal cruelty.  Landlord Don Kurtz contacted Ashland Borough Police after evicting Howard and when they arrived, the landlord told them that there where several animals in the home in need of care.  Police found eight cats and two dogs and both dogs were severely malnourished and in desperate need of veterinary care. Howard is alleged to be the sole caretaker of all 10 animals. She was arraigned Thursday by Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli.