Animals up for adoption following cruelty case

SPOKANE — Nearly 100 rabbits and guinea pigs will be up for adoption June 14 after four people pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges last week.

In January 139 animals were seized from a home in the 17000 block of East Pend Oreille Divide Road where they were housed in “unsanitary and unhealthy” conditions, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. Most of the animals were in cages with no water and large amounts of feces. The home had no running water or electricity and was filled with animal feces, rotting food and garbage, the Sheriff’s Office said.

In addition to guinea pigs and rabbits, authorities seized nine goats, four miniature horses, one full-sized horse, three chickens and a goose.

Shawna Marie Denney-Land, 39, and her husband, Wayne Land, 45, each pleaded guilty to five counts of animal cruelty. They were sentenced to two years probation and are barred from owning more than 10 rabbits, six guinea pigs and three dogs. Animal control officers will be allowed to inspect their property and check on their animals at any time without prior notice, according to a press release from Prosecuting Attorney Barry McHugh.

Denney-Land’s parents, who lived with the couple, each pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty with the same probation sentence and conditions. Norma Jean Denney and John Denney are prohibited from owning more than two horses, two chickens and five dogs.

The seized animals have been cared for by volunteers at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Some of the animals already have found homes. On June 14 beginning at 9 a.m. at the fairgrounds the remaining 39 guinea pigs and 57 rabbits will be offered free to a good home. All the animals are now healthy.