Alabama: Puppy mill breeder Nannie Johnson, accused of keeping dead dogs in freezer, pleads not guilty

ALABAMA -- A woman accused of hoarding dozens of dead and live animals on her property went before a judge in Limestone County Wednesday morning.

63-year-old Nannie Johnson pleaded not guilty by reason of emotional defect at her bench trial. She is charged with 43 counts of cruelty to animals.

The defense told the judge they needed more time to review Nan Johnson's medical records.

"He has had her evaluated-- mental evaluation-- and he wants to have that presented to the judge along with some further medical evidence that he said he needs to some additional time to obtain," said Kristi Valls, Limestone County D.A.

The trial was continued until August 18th.

Investigators said Johnson had more than 40 dead dogs in a freezer at her Elkmont home. Dozens more were found alive on the property.

(WAFF - Aug 24, 2010)

Earlier:

• Alabama: Nannie Johnson found with more than 40 dead dogs stuffed in her freezers, another 29 live dogs "severely emaciated"
• Alabama: Nannie Johnson, charged with animal cruelty, to be psychologically evaluated