Judge to consider bond for dog breeder charged with 18 counts of animal abuse
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A judge is considering to allow a dog breeder – who is charged with 18 counts of animal abuse – to have a bond.
Melissa Sanders, 26, of Columbia, has been held at the Phelps County Jail without bond since she was charged last month in Boone County with three counts of felony animal abuse and 15 counts of misdemeanor animal abuse.
Sanders ran Magnum Opus German Shepherds and a number of dead dogs, including a dozen dog skulls, were found at the property of the business when law enforcement served a search warrant, according to court documents in previous reporting. Several malnourished dogs were also found at the property.
The living dogs were turned over to the Central Missouri Humane Society after Sanders was arrested.
A hearing was held on Thursday and Sanders’ new lawyer Andrew Russek argued that she is not a flight risk and should be allowed out of the state’s custody as long as she stays away “business transactions” involving animals. Her counsel previously argued that she should have been given a $5,000.
Cameron Shields -- the counsel for the state -- argued Sanders’ family has tried contacting his office and victims in the case. Shields claimed Sanders is a flight risk because she is involved in a relationship with someone from Texas.
Judge Kayla Jackson-Williams ordered a home detention study and could make a determination at the next hearing at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30. Jackson-Williams also noted that the case will not be determined by opinions shared by people on social media.
