Jury deliberates for two days in animal-cruelty trial

The trial of Cathie Warren went ahead this week, beginning Tuesday, April 18 and continuing with jury deliberation beginning Wednesday at 4 p.m. and continuing through Thursday. Warren is charged by the state of Montana with 5 counts of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, punishable by up to two years imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $2,500, or both.

She is also charged with one count of cruelty to animals, first offense, a misdemeanour, punishable by up to one year imprisonment or a fine of $1000, or both.

Warren is also charged with 12 counts of cruelty to animals, second or subsequent offense, also a felony and punishable by up to two years in prison and a $2,500 fine, or both.

Warren pleaded not guilty to all charges and is defended by attorney Ryan Peabody. The plaintiff, the State of Montana, is represented by county attorney Jeffery Zwang.

At press time, the jury had not come back with a verdict.