A Mt. Vernon, Illinois family physician, Dr. Suzanne Alt, has been convicted of 105 counts of animal abuse following a jury trial last week in McCracken County District Court.
Investigators uncovered deplorable conditions at a facility in Paducah, Kentucky, where Dr. Alt had been breeding miniature Dachshunds. Authorities reported the animals were kept in unsanitary conditions without proper ventilation, electricity, or air conditioning. Dogs were found congregating on carpet soaked in feces and urine.
The jury returned a guilty verdict on all 105 counts of inhumane treatment of animals after a two-day trial. The judge sentenced Alt to 105 days in county jail—one day for each animal—and imposed the maximum $500 fine. She was ordered to report to jail on Wednesday, July 3rd.
During the trial, Dr. Alt took the stand in her own defense. She testified that she had been breeding Dachshunds for approximately four years under the name “Doc’s Mini Dachshunds.” She acknowledged that while the facility had air conditioning units, none were functional. She said she relied on battery-powered fans for airflow.
In addition to the jail sentence, the court ordered that all dogs be permanently forfeited to the local animal control agency. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, where the court will determine whether Dr. Alt will be required to reimburse the county for costs related to the seizure and care of the animals.
Alt’s attorney has stated that an appeal of the conviction is forthcoming.
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