The trial of a Rockland man accused of animal cruelty got under way Monday in West Haverstraw.

Prosecutors alleged that myriad animals - sheep and ducks to rabbits and dogs - were suffering from mistreatment under the care of Robert Everle. Authorities say there were 300 animals in all.

Everle's lawyer denied Monday that any of the animals were mistreated and told jurors his client had devoted most of his life to caring for animals, spending much of his fixed income to provide the animals with food and medicine.

The trial resumes Tuesday morning.