An East Northport woman accused of animal abuse turned herself over to authorities Monday morning to face 56 charges of animal cruelty.

Two weeks ago, police and members of the Suffolk County SPCA descended on Irene Monroig?s home, where they removed more than 50 dogs living in filthy conditions. Monroig maintains she was not abusing the animals, nor was she running a puppy mill, as police say. She says she rescued and revived each of them.

Eric Neiberg, Monroig?s lawyer, insists no profit was being made from the dogs. He says she sold the dogs to pay for the care of the others. Neiberg also says his client would even go to pet stores and buy dogs that she thought were being mistreated.

The dogs taken from the home are being sheltered and cared for at Huntington Animal Shelter in East Northport. Whether the dogs will be adopted out will be decided after Monroig?s case is resolved. Monroig will be arraigned Tuesday.