SIDNEY, Ohio (AP) — Three people have pleaded not guilty to hundreds of animal cruelty charges involving a dog-breeding business where 241 dogs were seized during a raid in western Ohio.
Sidney Municipal Court officials say an attorney entered written not guilty pleas Tuesday on behalf of the owners of Pedigree Pets in Maplewood and their son. The family members are each charged with 241 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
Their attorney did not immediately return a call Tuesday.
Sheriff's deputies raided the Shelby County property over a week ago. Officials say dogs of various breeds were found in poor health, with kennel conditions determined unfit for housing animals.
Those charged are 51-year-old Rhonda Auton, 55-year-old Dave Auton and 29-year-old Adam Auton, all of Maplewood. That's about 40 miles northeast of Dayton.
