Woman Accused Of Killing 5 Dogs Offered Plea Deal

FAIRFIELD, CT — A woman accused of killing five dogs must choose whether to accept a plea deal with jail time or go to trial, according to the Connecticut Post.

Heidi E. Lueders, 31, is the former president of local animal group Bully Breed Rescue Inc. She was charged with five counts of animal cruelty after Fairfield police found the remains of several animal carcasses in crates inside a home on Prince Street. A warrant was issued for Lueders in November and she turned herself in in January.

Bully Breed Rescue Inc. confirmed all five dogs were affiliated with the rescue and under Lueders' care. Lueders had told rescue members and volunteers she sent four of the dogs to a sanctuary and the fifth to a foster home.

A prosecutor did not say Monday how much time behind bars Lueders would face, the Post reports. Her next court date is Oct. 11.

Lueders's attorney had previously planned to pursue an insanity claim, but told a judge in July he was having trouble finding a medical expert.

Read more from the Connecticut Post.