A bench trial is set for Wednesday for one of two suspects in a Monroe County animal abuse case.
Judy Pennington is charged with six counts of felony animal abuse for allegedly mistreating animals at a rural Madison farm.
Pennington’s husband, Ronnie, faces the same charges. A trial date for him will be set Aug. 5.
Rescuers removed dozens of animals from the farm on April 2, 2008, after what the Humane Society of Missouri called years of trying to get the Penningtons to improve conditions.
Investigators said the dogs, cats, horses, goats and other animals had inadequate shelter, insufficient food and improper access to water.
The Penningtons disputed the charges and called the removal of the animals unnecessary.
The Humane Society eventually took legal custody of the animals after the Penningtons missed a court-ordered deadline to pay for their care.
The trials will be held in Macon County on a change of venue.
Madison, MO —
