LISBON — Four counts of prohibitions concerning companion animals were filed Wednesday in Columbiana County Municipal Court against an East Palestine resident who had 21 animals seized from her home due to alleged unsanitary conditions.

Jennifer Albert, 38, West Main Street, is scheduled to face arraignment on the misdemeanor charges at 8:30 a.m. May 18.

An affidavit said animals were found at her address on April 3 “in conditions of extreme filth, causing suffering, lack of grooming and ear mites. Defendant admitted to being the owner and caretaker.”

The affidavit was filed by J. Jeffrey Holland, an attorney prosecuting the case on behalf of the Columbiana County Humane Society.

Columbiana County Humane Agent Fabian Pike reported previously that 18 cats, two rabbits and one dog were seized from the residence for unsanitary conditions. Pike said that all the confiscated animals were infested with fleas; most of them also had tape worms and ear mites, and at least 12 of the confiscated animals were ill with upper respiratory issues. He also said that the rabbits had injuries which were indicative of fleas, and two of the cats had tested positive for feline leukemia.

He also said that all the animals had been screened and treated by the humane society upon entering the shelter, and would stay there until the charges were finalized and prosecuted. The decision on whether the animals would be returned or forfeited permanently would be up to the judge in the case. An order for the posting of $9,450 for the care of the animals seized had already been issued against the owner.

Pike said that concerns about the conditions within the house were originally reported to him by EMS personnel two days prior to his investigation after a member of the household experienced a medical emergency.

“They said they could not breathe in the house, and I needed to go out there and check it out,” said Pike.

He was met on site by officers from the East Palestine Police Department who accompanied him to the residence. He said that the property owner initially denied permission to enter and check the residence, but after explaining that he had sufficient evidence for a search warrant, if necessary, they gave permission for him to enter.

Pike said that despite initially being told there were only two cats inside the residence, he immediately found eight cats once he was inside. He also noted that conditions within the residence were severe enough that his eyes began to water upon entry.