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Wis. Shelter Owner Convicted Of Animal Cruelty

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. (AP) -- The owner of a Richland County animal shelter faces sentencing after a jury found her guilty of six counts of animal cruelty.

Jennifer Petkus owned Thyme & Sage Ranch in Cazenovia, in southwestern Wisconsin. She was convicted Friday after a three-week trial. She was accused of starving a dog to death, failing to provide water to animals, failing to maintain sufficient cleanliness and other mistreatment.

Authorities seized more than 330 dogs and numerous other animals from her shelter in 2009.

Sentencing for Petkus is scheduled for April 29.

Dane County Humane Society officials say the Richland County district attorney plans to ask for five years prohibition to keep her from having more animals. The maximum sentence would be four and a half years.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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