West Virginia: Preston woman Crystal L. Frantz, 42, wants trial in animal cruelty case

WEST VIRGINIA -- A Preston County woman who surrendered 60 dogs to the county wants a jury trial.

Crystal L. Frantz, 42, of Terra Alta, was charged in October 2015 with 59 counts of not paying county dog taxes, 32 counts of not having the dogs vaccinated, cruelty to animals and failure to register as a commercial breeder.

After about an hour of negotiations Friday, Feb. 5, between Frantz, her attorney, and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Savanah Hull, no plea agreement could be reached. Frantz requested a jury trial, which was tentatively set for April.

She surrendered ownership of the dogs, which ranged in size from 3 pounds to 60, to the county after the seizure. The animals were put up for adoption.

(The DPost - Feb 5, 2016)

Earlier:

• West Virginia: This has been the largest seizure in the county,' 60 dogs seized in Terra Alta will remain in Sheriff’s Department custody