SCHROEPPEL -- A Phoenix man has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges after police said he hoarded dozens of animals inside his home.

On Wednesday evening, Steven Hart appeared in Schroeppel Town Court to answer the charges. He was appointed an attorney.

Police in the Oswego County village of Phoenix were called to the apartment in May after a man went there to remove aquariums and found several dead exotic animals in garbage bags on the porch. Other carcasses were found in the apartment.

Officials say some of the animals died from neglect. The apartment was littered with trash and animal feces.

Hart had 68 animals in the apartment, including five dogs, seven cats, 30 ferrets, and numerous snakes, rabbits, rats and mice, according to police.

Hart is due back in court July 18th at 5: 30 p.m.