Judge considers bond and venue change for Boone County dog breeder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Boone County Judge heard arguments on whether a Columbia dog breeder who pleaded not guilty to 29 felony counts of animal abuse should be granted a lower bond and a change of venue.

Twenty-six-year-old Melissa Sanders was arrested in November after law enforcement found several dead dogs and remains at her Boone County dog-breeding and boarding business, Magnum Opus German Shepherds.

Sanders appeared at Tuesday's hearing in person. She is being held at the Phelps County Jail without bond, but is listed on Boone County's online jail roster.

Sanders' attorney, Andrew Russek, requested a bond hearing and a change of venue for the case in December.

During Tuesday's hearing, Russek claimed that the increased media presence covering the case has affected Boone County and the surrounding areas, making it difficult for an impartial panel.

"The case is being actively followed and sent out to the people of Boone County regularly," Russek said.

Russek later suggested that the case be moved to Callaway County.

The state argued that there was not enough evidence for a change of venue, with Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Cameron Shields arguing that "a change of venue because of publicity is not a reason for change of venue."

Judge Joshua Devine, who's overseeing the case, pushed back against the defense. Devine claimed a previous case he observed during the 1980s had no difficulties in getting a panel despite having heavy media coverage.

During arguments for Sanders' bond, arguments began with the state bringing in Hannah Wilson, a victim of Sanders, to give an impact statement.

Hannah Wilson, an alleged victim in the case, requested in an impact statement that Devine not give Sanders a bond.

Wilson brought her service dog, which was allegedly boarded under Sanders' care. Wilson claimed that after picking up her dog, who was pregnant at the time, she found evidence that the dog had been neglected and starved.

"This was intentional and deliberate actions," Wilson said.

Wilson added that Sanders has a pattern of dishonesty and that Sanders admitted to "enjoying manipulating people." Wilson also claimed she was "extremely fearful" for any animals or people under Sanders' care.

Sanders' lawyers claimed that Sanders is not an active danger to the community or a flight risk, the two potential reasons for a bond to be issued.

Russek claimed that Sanders' behavior fits more with animal neglect instead of animal abuse or torture, claiming Sanders did not engage in a "deliberate and purposeful attempt to cause harm."

Russek argued that most victims alleged mistreatment through starvation. One of the notable victims, who had a dog die due to strangulation, died allegedly due to its collar being too tight in a kennel, and not a physical attack by Sanders.

Russek added that Animal Control checked Sanders' business in May and found no issues. Sanders also allegedly had positive reviews for her business. Russek claimed both arguments go against the claim of long-term abuse and instead could be a sign of Sanders having a mental health crisis.

The defense additionally claimed that all arguments for Sanders' danger to the public are based on previous allegations, and not ongoing dangers.

The state argued that Sanders' prior allegations were enough to prove she is a danger to the community.

Prosecutor Ryan Conway added that Sanders also promised owners of deceased dogs that their remains would be cremated, but instead they were put into trash bags.

"The non-action is the action," Conway said.

Devine pushed back against the state. While he agreed there are serious allegations in past conduct, "That is different to an ongoing present danger."

According to court documents, it was argued that the animal abuse charges were bailable offenses and that Sanders was not a flight risk. The state argued Sanders was a flight risk due to being in a relationship with someone from Texas.

Sanders claimed in court that the person from Texas died.

The state pushed that despite the death, Sanders may still have connections in Texas and voiced concern with Texas bordering Mexico. The state also argued that due to Sanders having notoriety in the dog breeding community, she also has connections to people in the Netherlands or Ireland.

Sanders' lawyer argued against this, claiming Sanders is willing to give up her passport during court proceedings and that an ankle monitor is enough to track Sanders' location.

Sanders' family was also present in the courtroom with Russek arguing they are willing to house Sanders through court proceedings in Lee's Summit.

Russek added that Sanders was aware of animal control communicating with her before her arrest.

"That was time to flee if she was interested in fleeing," Russek said.

Devine also pushed back against the state, asking if prosecutors had evidence that she would leave.

"We all have the ability to leave," Devine said.

The state also argued in court documents against the venue change on the basis that there was no reason given for the change and that it was filed too late.

Devine set a control court date for 9:30 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Boone County Courthouse. However, he may decide on a bond and change of venue earlier than the expected date.