A Dobbs Ferry man accused of animal cruelty was ordered by a judge Thursday to give his dogs up for adoption.

A Dobbs Ferry Village Court judge also ruled that Joseph Balducci, 66, cannot adopt or purchase any pets. He faces 19 counts of animal cruelty for allegedly keeping the dogs in unfit conditions in his small Main Street apartment.

Balducci?s attorney says that he already turned over his rights to 16 of the dogs, adding that his client cares deeply about them.

Representatives of the Westchester SPCA say they found the dogs, which were mostly puppies, living in cages and surrounded by their own feces and urine last week. They were brought to the Humane Society in New Rochelle where they are still being treated.

Balducci, who is currently undergoing psychiatric evaluation, may be charged with more counts of animal cruelty upon further investigation by the Westchester County District Attorney?s Office.