An Arkansas court convicted a couple who ran an animal shelter of 20 counts of cruelty to animals.

Some of the animals abused were sent to Tammy and William Hanson's shelter from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

One dog at the Every Dog Needs a Home shelter was found dead, while another had a broken leg. Twenty dogs were infested with maggots and had severe skin conditions. Scores of other animals were sick.

Judge Van Gearhart barred the Hansons from ever owning or possessing any animals again.

Courtroom observers burst into applause as Tammy Hanson was handcuffed, reports the AP. Many were local residents who offered to care for the dogs.

The couple will be sentenced Feb. 23.