LAURELVILLE, Ohio — An Amish farmer in Ohio is accused of keeping dozens of dogs in gruesome settings, including injured animals living in feces a foot deep.

He counters that his dogs were taken because of cultural differences.

WCMH reports that authorities seized 52 dogs from Jonas Beachy’s property in Laurelville in October and he was charged Friday with animal cruelty.

Teresa Landon is executive director of the Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She says authorities found “horrendous conditions” including matted, sometimes injured animals.

Beachy says he cares for his animals properly and has followed all laws. A neighbor who has known Beachy for 20 years said he believes the man is being treated unfairly.

Beachy’s initial court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 27.