The embattled founder of the animal rights group T.E.A.R.S. has been charged with animal cruelty.

Terra Cotromano was arrested by the Jefferson County Sheriff's office Thursday and charged with 20 counts of cruelty to a dog or cat.

The charges stem from a raid on the T.E.A.R.S. shelter back in January.  At the time, a veterinarian said "Overcrowding brought about a lot of problems sanitary problems were the biggest thing we saw. They had access to food and water but the quality of the food or water when they are eating out of much feces may not be that great,"

Jefferson County Sheriff Chief Deputy Randy Christian indicated to CBS42 News that alleged neglect was likely the issue in Thursday's charges.

Cotromano is the founder of The Emergency Animal Rescue Service but was removed as head of the organization in a dispute with other board members.