New Canaan Woman Enters Plea For Death Of Dogs Case In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — The former president of a local rescue group has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges in connection to the death of five dogs in Fairfield, according to the Connecticut Post. The judge continued the case against Heidi E. Lueders, 31, of New Canaan, to March 15. She has requested a jury trial.

Lueders was arrested on a warrant last month after police found the remains of several animal carcasses, which were believed to be dogs under her care, in crates inside a home on Prince Street in Fairfield on Nov. 14. Police said it appeared that the dogs had been in the cages for nearly a year, according to the Post. Lueders has been charged with five counts of cruelty to animals and first-degree criminal damage to landlord's property by a tenant.

The Post reports animal rights activists crowded the courtroom on Wednesday and also protested outside the courthouse.

Read more about the court appearance at the Connecticut Post here.

Pictured: Heidi E. Lueders, 31, of New Canaan / Fairfield Police Department