Humane Police Officer R. Harnish from the Department of Animal Protection at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County filed animal cruelty charges on Tuesday against Jennifer May Ayala, a 50-year-old woman from Bern Township related to a Search Warrant executed in May 2024.
Ayala is charged with one felony count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals – Causing Serious Bodily Injury, 51 misdemeanor counts of Cruelty to Animals, and 31 summary counts of Neglect of Animals.
Officer Harnish opened an investigation after receiving a tip about an owner refusing veterinary care for a pug-type dog with a severe leg injury. Under the search warrant pertaining to the pug-type dog’s lack of medical care, Harnish and the ARL team discovered 51 cats and dogs in poor condition in addition to four deceased animals in Ayala’s detached shed. All 51 animals were removed through an interagency effort.
Bella and Daisy, two of the dogs removed from the property, still remain under ARL’s care and are available for adoption.
An arrest warrant has been issued by MDJ Brian K. Strand. Court proceedings are pending.
