DEADWOOD, S.D. – A Whitewood man has entered a not guilty plea Thursday to 26 counts of animal neglect and five counts of felony animal cruelty before Fourth Judicial Circuit Court.
Thomas L. Mraz was arrested after Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies discovered dozens of mistreated dogs at his home last October.
At least one dog was malnourished and multiple dead puppies were found in a van outside his residence.
Animal neglect is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by one year in jail, a $2,000 fine or both. Animal cruelty is a Class 6 felony with a maximum sentence of two years in prison, a $4,000 fine or both.
Mraz is due back in court on April 1st.
