Boone County dog breeder accused of abuse to have trial in April

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman who is charged with 29 counts of felony animal abuse is expected to go to trial in April.

Melissa Sanders, 26, of Columbia, is scheduled to go to trial on Tuesday, April 28 at the Boone County Courthouse, according to Prosecutor Roger Johnson. She has been held at the Phelps County Jail. She is being held without bond.

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 in November, according to court documents in previous reporting. Several malnourished dogs were also found at the property.

Court documents say at least two living dogs that were found were on the brink of death. A number of dogs have been returned to owners or are being fostered.

Sanders is also facing a case from several dog owners from around the country and abroad.