On December 9, four dogs, two chickens and two rabbits were seized from a Rochester home after neighbors found the animals with no food or water and inadequate shelter.
Hours later, Greg and Sandy Clark were charged with cruelty to animals after investigators determined the animals were being neglected.
More than one week later, the couple pled not guilty before a Butler County Judge.
During yesterday's pre-trial conference, both Greg and Sandy pled guilty to “Second Degree Animal Cruelty”.
A sentence of 180 days of jail time and $250 of their fine was suspended, but under strict conditions.
The couple must pay more than $1000 in veterinarian bills accumulated during the recovery of the four rescued dogs. An additional undetermined fee must be paid to the Butler County Animal Shelter, to cover housing, food and shots provided by the shelter during last five weeks. On top of that, the couple is expected to make a $250 donation to the Butler County Animal Shelter.
According to court officials, the couple is no longer allowed to have ownership of any animal while living in Butler County. As a result, neither have any authority over the dogs rescued from their home, nor are they allowed to keep any animal that may have been inside of their home during the rescue.
One neighbor who helped save the dogs says he's glad this case is coming to a close.
"We got the best we could get considering the law here in Kentucky on animal cruelty. It is a misdemeanor, but should be a felony," said Mike Porter.
It has been more than one month since the dogs were rescued from their Rochester home. Officials at the Butler County Animal Shelter say the dogs have fully recovered and are ready for adoption.
"They've responded really well to our care here. They've gained a lot of weight. They're doing really well with us as their care takers. They're not aggressive at all. It has been a nice experience to have them here and to go through all of this together. They have grown to love us all and we've grown to love them," said Matthew, Butler County Animal Shelter.
(WBKO - Jan 16, 2015)
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