Low Bond Set In Animal Abuse Case

A judge set bond at $3,000 for the owners of an animal rescue where police found more than 200 starving dogs and cats.

Sharon and Roberta Dueitt turned themselves in Friday morning on a new felony animal abuse charge.

The Baldwin County District Attorney agreed to a $2,500 bond on the felony charge and $500 on the original cruelty charge on several conditions. The Dueitt’s had to give up custody of the animals and agree under no circumstances have contact with any animals.

Judge Michelle Thomason said during today’s hearing that she was reluctant to grant bond. But she agreed because the Dueitt’s will no longer be allowed to be around animals.

The District Attorney’s Office also wanted the Dueitt’s to have money to pay restitution and veterinarian bills.

Last week, Summerdale police found more than 200 starving dogs and cats at the Dueitt's shelter, Purple Hearted Puppies. Dozens of animals died.

More starving animals were found at the Dueitt's house in Robertsdale.

Yesterday, Summerdale police dug up the remains of nearly 75 dead dogs and cats, buried behind Purple Hearted Puppies. Chief Eddie Ingram says the Dueitt's would try to sell dogs they rescued. The ones they couldn't sell, they would let starve to death.

The District Attorney's office will present the case to a grand jury. The Dueitt's could eventually face 80 to 100 counts of felony animal cruelty.