SWANVILLE, Maine – A Maine farmer who police say killed and buried a dozen malnourished pigs before agents inspected them has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges.
The Bangor Daily News reports Jerry Ireland's attorney entered the plea on his client's behalf this week. Ireland faces 13 counts of cruelty to animals.
Authorities say Maine Animal Welfare Program agents who responded to Ireland's Swanville farm in March found a live pig locked in a barn without food or water, along with a cow that had bedding "full of manure."
A further search uncovered a dozen dead Mangalitsa pig carcasses in two different stalls. Agents say the pigs were all thin.
The lone live pig has been taken to a rescue center.
Ireland's attorney has said his client treated his animals humanely.
___
Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangordailynews.com
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
