SELDEN, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities are trying to determine whether any of the 20 dead dogs found buried in a New York woman's backyard might have been pets stolen from neighbors.

Sharon McDonough pleaded not guilty over the weekend to misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after five dogs and a cat were found in wretched conditions in her home and were removed.

Her 21-year-old son told authorities animals had been abused at her home in Selden, on Long Island. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has since dug up the backyard to uncover the carcasses.

If police determine any animals were stolen, additional charges could be filed. A Family Court judge removed the woman's six younger children from the home this week.