Noted NY animal hospice hit with cruelty charges
By Associated Press
Jan 6, 2012 1:13 PM CST

A New York animal hospice praised by Oprah, Rachael Ray and other celebrities is under fire from animal rights activists whose undercover investigation has led to five cruelty charges against the owner.

Last April, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent local prosecutors a video secretly recorded in November 2010 at Susan Marino's Angel's Gate hospice in the Delaware County town of Delhi, 150 miles northwest of New York City.

The animal rights group said they found several animals that should have been euthanized.

On Dec. 30, Marino was charged with five counts of failing to provide sustenance to an animal and one count of possession of controlled substance, all misdemeanors.

Marino and her supporters say she provides a nurturing home for chronically ill, crippled and dying animals.