Both sides ready to proceed with Boone County dog breeder’s trial

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Both sides said Monday that they're ready to move forward with the trial of a Boone County dog breeder suspected of abusing several animals.

Melissa Sanders, 26, of Columbia, appeared via WebEx in front of Judge Joshua Devine on Monday at the Boone County Courthouse. The state and the defense are ready to proceed with Sanders' jury trial, which is set to begin April 28. Another pre-trial hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 23.

Devine granted the defense's motion to endorse.

As of Monday morning, Sanders was listed on the Boone County Jail roster, being held on no bond.

Sanders ran Magnum Opus German Shepherds, where several dead dogs, including a dozen dog skulls, were found on the property when law enforcement served a search warrant in November, according to court documents. 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. Several dogs have been returned to their owners or are being fostered.