ELKMONT, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama woman told investigators that “the devil was at work” when she was asked about the 43 dead dogs found in freezers and a kennel at her home.

Authorities believe the animals starved to death at Nan Johnson’s home. Another 29 malnourished dogs found at her home were rescued, and many of them have since been adopted.

Johnson was charged with 43 counts of animal cruelty which could each carry a maximum of six months in jail.

Her friends and family say she had become very ill in the months before the dogs were found dead and say that she once cared for the animals.