Woman Accused Of Killing 5 Dogs Planning To Claim Insanity

FAIRFIELD, CT — In a courtroom filled with animal rights supporters, the attorney of a woman accused of killing five dogs told the judge the defense can't find a medical expert to weigh in on his client's insanity claim, 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, according to rescue Vice President Chris Antolini.

Lueders' attorney, Rob Serafinowicz, is not giving up the claim that Lueders suffers from a mental illness, but the judge said that unless an expert is found, court proceedings will move forward without the insanity defense, the Connecticut Post reports.

Read more from the Connecticut Post.