A Melbourne woman faces animal cruelty charges after nearly 20 starving animals were rescued from her home. Deputies removed a golden retriever, two birds, and over a dozen cats from the Coventry Street residence, where conditions were said to be deplorable. 75 year old Patricia Merrill has been charged with 18 counts of felony animal cruelty and unlawful confinement. Sheriff Wayne Ivey condemned the conditions and said that Merrill’s neglect could have led to the animals’ deaths. Merrill’s bond is set at $63,000, with her next court appearance scheduled for September 17.