Friday morning the elderly Madison homeowners charged with animal cruelty faced a judge. James Lin and his wife Patricia pled guilty to two counts of animal cruelty.
The judge ordered the couple to pay 800 dollars in fines and court costs and donate 15-hundred dollars to all the agencies that worked to save the surviving dogs and get them adopted out.
In June police discovered 85 dogs at the couples home in Madison. Because so many were in such poor health, 47 had to be euthanized. Police Investigator Terrell Cook says the Lin family seem sorry for what they did. "Both of the couple seemed incredibly remorseful for what they've done. As far as what's going through their heads right now I really don't know. I would hope they had remorse for what they did" Cook said.
Doctor Angelique Lawrence says she supports the courts ruling but wants stricter laws for animal abuse. She treated several of the surviving dogs and adopted
them out to good homes. "Everyday we see cases of animal abuse and neglect and because animals are considered property within the state of Alabama the fines and punishment are minimal. But the scars it leaves on the animals and certain people, the punishments need to more strict" Lawrence said.
As part of the court ruling, the elderly couple can not own pets for an entire year. Every six months the court will check on them. The Lin family still face 45 other
misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. They may have to make another court appearance next January, but that will be up to a judge.
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