Aberdeen-Area Couple Accused Again of Mistreating Dogs

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — An Aberdeen-area husband and wife who were accused several years ago of mistreating dogs are once again accused of keeping dogs in deplorable conditions.

Sixty-six-year-old Leonard Sollie and 68-year-old Karla Sollie each is charged with nine counts of misdemeanor animal neglect. Prosecutor Chris White tells the American News a grand jury declined to indict the couple on felony charges.

The couple didn't immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment.

Officials with the Aberdeen Area Humane Society and sheriff's deputies late last month rescued 20 Shih Tzu-mix dogs from an unoccupied rural house, suffering from what authorities said were years of neglect.

The Sollies faced similar charges in 2007 and in 2009 entered Alford pleas, meaning they didn't admit guilt but acknowledged there was evidence to convict them.

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