Marilyn Jean Bermudez pleaded no contest in April to 20 counts of animal cruelty, in exchange for dismissal of 65 charges.

She was accused of failing to provide enough space and clean living conditions for 81 dogs and four cats. The charges did not cover all 96 animals that were removed from Bermudez’s West Lelehuna Place house Jan. 4, 2002, after she called animal control officers for help because the dogs were fighting.

Animal control officers reported the home was filled with feces and other filth, and that many of the animals were malnourished and sick.

All but seven of the animals were euthanized because of poor health or lack of space at the Maui Humane Society animal shelter.

"I have no doubt in my mind that that you loved every single one of these dogs and cats but I have to balance the meows and barks I can no longer hear because these dogs and cats are no longer with us," said Maui District Judge Rhonda Loo in sentencing Bermudez.