A judge has ordered a New York woman held on $US100,000 bail after prosecutors cited evidence that some of the 42 dead animals buried in her yard had been tortured, with duct tape around their mouths or showing signs of drowning.

Sharon McDonough had been free without bail after her November arrest on misdemeanour charges, but she was taken away in handcuffs after her appearance in Friday in Suffolk County Court.

Defence lawyer James D’Angelo said his client was not guilty and was shocked by the judge’s ruling.She has been charged with abusing five dogs and a cat found alive in her home.

A Family Court judge has removed custody of her six daughters, ranging from 18 months to 13 years.Douglas McDonough, 21, turned in his mother on November 5. He described the home as “a concentration camp for the animals” and claimed he and some of his siblings were present when animals were abused and killed.

After McDonough’s arrest, some neighbours feared the worst for pets that disappeared in recent months. But Roy Gross of the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals later concluded McDonough probably bought the animals or adopted them through shelters and other traditional outlets.

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