UNION COUNTY, N.C. -- Union County's humane society is pushing for a grand jury investigation into a dog breeder charged with misdemeanor cruelty to animals.

A trial is set for Tuesday for Delores Perez.

The county seized more than 250 dogs from her property three weeks ago after finding many of them sick and neglected. It's a case that continues to generate incredible passions on both sides of the issue.

Eyewitness News has learned that attorneys for Union County's Humane Society have asked the district attorney to consider taking the case to a grand jury to seek an indictment for felony animal cruelty.

The society says the dogs were neglected "intentionally." "The notion of charging this case as a felony is an absolute joke," said Don Brown, Perez's attorney.

Brown said public pressure is ruining his client's chance for a fair trial.

"It's not the role of a special interest group to interfere with the administration of justice. They need to butt out. It's none of their business, Brown said.

But, thousands of people are making it their business by circulating and signing petitions urging that Perez not get her dogs back.

An online petition has over 4,000 electronic signatures.

Charlotte attorney Sarah Linn started another that could have 2,000 more.

"I hope it says to the elected officials who are responsible for this that they really do have to do something," Linn said.

The humane society has already presented pictures and medical documentation to prosecutors outlining the conditions of every dog seized, including one dog now being cared for by Jodie Strait.

"Come here sweetie. Come on baby ... come on. It's ok," Strait said.

"She's much better now, but she's just so scared," Strait said as she called the dog.

Gia is a maltese that still cowers in the presence of most people.

She's now three weeks removed from a lifetime of living on the property of Delores Perez.

Gia's paws still bear the marks of her time there.

"You'd look at this and say oh, she's gotten in some mud," said reporter Jim Bradley.

"No. That's urine. Urine stains. She lived in feces," Strait said.

Strait now lives in fear that a judge will give all the dogs back to Perez.

"You don't want to give her back?" Bradley asked. "No. No, the sheriff will have to come and take her from me," Strait said.

The attorney for Perez said he expects her trial to take place during a court appearance Tuesday in Union County.

If found guilty of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, Perez could be ordered to perform community service or pay a fine.