PLATTSBURGH — Plattsburgh City Police are now looking for homes for three cats, and soon a dog, rescued from the Lakeside Apartment complex earlier this month.

As Janie Abernathy's animal-abuse case works its way through City Court, the 29-year-old recently surrendered the eight cats that authorities say they found starving and living in deplorable conditions.

Police believe the dog, a golden medium-build mixed breed, will also soon be surrendered and available for adoption through Elmore SPCA in Peru.

Authorities said the animals have made a strong recovery since they were found living amid fleas and feces.

When police were contacted about the suspected abuse, they found one cat dead from malnutrition and believe the others had not been fed in several weeks.

Abernathy was charged with eight counts of animal cruelty and has since pleaded not guilty.

She is due back in court Monday to face the allegations.

City Police Lt. Scott Beebie said only three cats remain in foster care, and they are ready to go to good homes.

"They're just starved for attention," he said.

None of the felines have been spayed or neutered, he said.

More information about the cats can be found at www.plattsburghpd.net/news.php or by contacting Beebie at 563-3411.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com