One of two Hartford residents accused of animal cruelty in a case that came to light this past spring is now set for a pretrial hearing next month.
Thomas Staggs, 56, pleaded not guilty to the 17 misdemeanor animal cruelty counts against him in Lyon County District Court. His next court appearance is Aug. 27. Lyon County Attorney Marc Goodman says Staggs has requested a jury trial, and potential trial dates will be discussed at his next hearing.
Staggs and his wife, Rhonda, are both accused of animal cruelty after Lyon County law enforcement and the private group Guardians of the Wolves went to 303 East Grand in Hartford in late May, following several complaints about the property. Seventeen dogs were taken to undisclosed locations after the alleged rescue, with several dealing with heartworm, parvovirus and other illnesses.
Rhonda Staggs has a pretrial hearing Tuesday.
