Testimony Continues In Union County Dog Case

Testimony continued Tuesday in the case of a Union County woman accused of running a puppy mill.

Only Eyewitness News was there as authorities raided the farm of Delores Perez earlier this year.

Related Links9 Investigates: Hundreds Of Dogs Seized In Raid Delores Perez Talks About The Investigation Ann Marie O'Keefe reports from the courthouse

Perez is charged with animal cruelty after law officers said she was breeding more than 250 dogs at her home.

A criminal trial and civil trial filed by by the Humane Society started Monday.

No jury will hear the case. The decision will be made by a Union County judge.

The Humane Society negotiated with Perez before the start of Monday's trial, but could not reach an agreement.

If found guilty in the criminal trial, Perez would not be able to own a pet for five years. If found guilty in the civil trial, Perez would not be allowed to own a pet again.

Perez wants compensation for the 253 dogs that were taken from her home.

"They are her property under the law. This is where we have a clash between animal rights and constitutional rights. How do you resolve it? It might not be resolved here. We may have to wait until we get to Raleigh or even Washington before it's resolved," said defense attorney Don Brown.

The judge presiding over the case expects a decision by days end.