Avella Man Facing Multiple Animal Cruelty Charges

State Police have charged an Avella man with 77 counts of animal cruelty and neglect.  Troopers say they rescued 16 cats and 13 cockatiels from the Browntown Road home of 46-year-old James Lane.  Authorities say the animals were living in deplorable conditions and were found among piles of feces and garbage spread throughout the house.  Police say Lane agreed to surrender the animals, some of which were infested with fleas.  Troopers say at least one cat had an infection and possibly a tumor on its body.  Officials say the birds are sheltering in safe places while the cats have been put in reputable shelters.