A Passumpsic woman charged with animal cruelty after authorities found her home filled with dozens of living and dead animals has been given a suspended jail term as part of a plea agreement.

Pauline Harpin, 70, pleaded guilty Monday to 16 counts of cruelty and had four charges dismissed under the plea, which calls for a suspended jail term of up to 48 months.

In addition, Harpin forfeited her right to own or possess animals, agreed to make restitution to those who cared for animals taken from her and consented to unannounced visits by a humane officer to make sure she's in compliance.



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