MONROE - Some of the 46 Great Danes that were seized from a home in rural Green County on May 25 have given birth in recent weeks, officials say, bringing to 60 the total number of dogs now in county custody.
The update comes as a civil hearing is scheduled for today to help determine legal custody of the animals.
"We are not sure if any other animals are pregnant but we do not think so," Green County Deputy Scott Ellefson said. "We do have currently two animals that are being fostered at private homes only because they were pregnant and whelping and needing to be observed."
As a result of the raid and dog seizure, four are charged with misdemeanor mistreatment of animals, officials said. They are: Allyson Williams, 24; Melissa Harrel, 57; Kathy Williams, 54; and Donovan Williams, 45.
In addition to the Great Danes, other dogs seized include an Irish Setter, Brussels Griffon and a Lhasa Apso.
All of the dogs are being cared for at several undisclosed locations, Ellefson said.
"The animals are all doing fine and are adjusting nicely to their new surroundings," he said.
Today's 9:30 a.m. hearing before Green County Circuit Judge James Beer is to determine if the dogs will be placed back in the home or surrendered to the Green County Sheriff's department custody, Ellefson said.
The dogs can be returned to other owners or be adopted out, Ellefson said, adding that a number of people besides those charged may have a claim of ownership.
"I cannot at this time release the names of the other co-owners, but I can say that (the other owners) all were not from the state of Wisconsin, but some of the people in Wisconsin and other states were promised or had already put down money for a new puppy," Ellefson said. "There are many owners of these animals, not just Williams and Harrel. The animals if not owned will possibly be adopted out to good owners in the near future."
The four suspects are scheduled for a July 11 initial appearance on the criminal charges.
The update comes as a civil hearing is scheduled for today to help determine legal custody of the animals.
"We are not sure if any other animals are pregnant but we do not think so," Green County Deputy Scott Ellefson said. "We do have currently two animals that are being fostered at private homes only because they were pregnant and whelping and needing to be observed."
As a result of the raid and dog seizure, four are charged with misdemeanor mistreatment of animals, officials said. They are: Allyson Williams, 24; Melissa Harrel, 57; Kathy Williams, 54; and Donovan Williams, 45.
In addition to the Great Danes, other dogs seized include an Irish Setter, Brussels Griffon and a Lhasa Apso.
All of the dogs are being cared for at several undisclosed locations, Ellefson said.
"The animals are all doing fine and are adjusting nicely to their new surroundings," he said.
Today's 9:30 a.m. hearing before Green County Circuit Judge James Beer is to determine if the dogs will be placed back in the home or surrendered to the Green County Sheriff's department custody, Ellefson said.
The dogs can be returned to other owners or be adopted out, Ellefson said, adding that a number of people besides those charged may have a claim of ownership.
"I cannot at this time release the names of the other co-owners, but I can say that (the other owners) all were not from the state of Wisconsin, but some of the people in Wisconsin and other states were promised or had already put down money for a new puppy," Ellefson said. "There are many owners of these animals, not just Williams and Harrel. The animals if not owned will possibly be adopted out to good owners in the near future."
The four suspects are scheduled for a July 11 initial appearance on the criminal charges.