CUMBERLAND, Md. — A 42-year-old Maryland woman has been charged with 158 counts of animal cruelty following the disbanding of an area puppy mill.

Pepper R. Taylor was served with the charges Tuesday, according to Linda Thomas, Allegany County assistant state’s attorney.

Animal control officials say Taylor operated a puppy mill out of her home to raise dogs for sale. The home was raided by Allegany County Animal Control officials on July 16. Thirty-five dogs of various breeds were rescued, according to officials.

The arrest warrants were issued Sunday, Thomas said. Thomas worked with animal control officials to prepare the 158 animal cruelty charges based on the discovery of Taylor’s illegal dog-raising operation earlier in the month.

According to Thomas, all of the charges are misdemeanors. The state felony animal cruelty statute is limited and very rarely applies unless an animal has died, she said.

Animal shelter officials responded to Taylor’s home at about 8 p.m. July 16, rescuing the dogs over a period of several hours from the property where living conditions were described as “very poor” by Karl Brubaker, animal shelter manager.

Officials said a call to the shelter and a message to the facility led to the discovery. An investigating officer then observed dogs on the back porch and inside the house.

All the dogs were taken to a local animal shelter for medical evaluations and intake processing.

“The reason for the delay (in filing charges) was the number of animals and various charges,” said Allegany County State’s Attorney Michael Twigg.

The rescued dogs, including some that are pregnant, were said to be in relatively good condition. Among the breeds of dogs rescued were a pregnant dachshund, Great Danes, Boston terriers, cocker spaniels and others.

“These dogs are friendly and social. They are happy to see you in the morning,” Becky McClarran said shortly after the rescue. McClarran, president of the county Animal Control Management Foundation, said a team of employees and volunteers worked in four shifts to transport the dogs to the animal shelter.

Shelter officials have said they’ll need help caring for the dogs. Monetary contributions may be made online to the shelter at www.ashelterofhope.com.

Taylor has since been released on a $10,000 property bond.

Bieniek writes for the Cumberland (Maryland) Times-News.