WISCASSET - A 78-year-old woman accused of operating an unlicensed breeding kennel at her home in Somerville has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges.

Fern Clark appeared Tuesday in Lincoln County Superior Court, where her lawyer challenged the validity of a search warrant that led to the seizure of 66 dogs, four cats and a cockatiel.

Police and state animal welfare officials who raided Clark's home in January said many of the dogs had serious health problems linked to neglect and malnutrition.

The case could go to trial this summer.