PLAINVILLE — Authorities say the founder of an animal shelter that was closed in December for unsanitary conditions has been charged with 24 counts of cruelty to animals.

The Hartford Courant reports Meda Talley turned herself in to police on Monday.

Police say the charges stem from conditions at Almost Home shelter where animals were crammed into too-small cages and had wounds and infections. They say they observed feces in water and food bowls.

The town animal control officer seized 45 animals from the facility in December.

The town filed a lawsuit seeking $17,000 from Almost Home for the cost of treatment for the seized animals.

Robert Ziegler, an attorney representing the shelter, says the town's case has deficiencies. He says he's preparing a "vexatious litigation" complaint against the town.