Pet graveyard, child abuse in Selden

SELDEN, NY - On Saturday, Sharon McDonough of Selden, was arrested for heinous animal cruelty. A day later, her son said her children were also abused.

SPCA detectives dug up at least 20 animal carcasses from her backyard, She was released from policy custody. But sources said she could soon face more charges stemming from abuse not only of pets but also of her children.

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McDonough, 43, of Awixa Place pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty after five dogs were found in her house.

According to Newsday, five dogs, a cat, a bird and a hamster were taken from the house and were examined by a veterinarian on Friday. The pets were removed from the home because animal cruelty investigators suspected they were in "imminent danger," Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross said.

Bob Clifford, a spokesman for the Suffolk district attorney's office, said prosecutors were investigating allegations that pets in the Selden neighborhood have disappeared, been killed and buried in the backyard of McDonough's residence.

McDonough lives in the home with her seven children, which range in age from 18 months to 21, neighbors said Friday.