LETHBRIDGE, Alta. -- A southern Alberta woman charged with cruelty to animals says she has received torture and death threats.

April Dawn Irving, who is 55, said outside provincial court in Lethbridge that it's inhumane the suffering she's in.

RCMP charged Irving after five dogs were found dead on her property in Milk River in January.

Police have said it appears the animals died of starvation.

The Alberta SPCA has seized more than 200 other dogs they say were malnourished and living in terrible conditions.

Irving's case has been adjourned to Friday.