NORWICH – Authorities seized dozens of neglected dogs from a Town of German barn earlier this week and they are now in the care of the Chenango County SPCA.

In a single day, the occupancy at the shelter went from about five dogs held in the kennel to 42, reported Executive Director Carol J. Hedlund.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department took custody of 37 caged dogs after arresting their owner, Barbara Brentana, 51, of Burkholder Road, McDonough, Jan. 4. She was charged with 37 counts of failing to provide for an impounded animal.

Until she is cleared of the charges against her or convicted, the animals will remain in the care of the SPCA, which has so far shouldered the costs rising into the thousands. Hedlund said that by the time the animals receive medical treatment, food and shelter, the costs would rise into the tens of thousands for the non-profit group.