Hillis faces more animal cruelty allegations

A woman convicted of cruelty to animals last year is in trouble again, this time after her probation officer caught her with a house-full of dogs in direct defiance of a court order.

The defendant, Leah Hillis, could face jail time when her violation of probation case comes up next month for failing to abide by the terms of her probation stemming from her conviction on an animal cruelty misdemeanor last year.

The violation charge comes after an officer of the court discovered seven dogs at her house during a surprise inspection recently. Five of the dogs were inside with two living outside.

While there was no allegation of abuse from the recent discovery, the fact there were seven dogs on her property put her in violation of a court order which forbid her from owning more than one dog.

The limitation was placed during her sentencing for animal cruelty in July 2004 when animal shelter officials reported finding at least seven dogs living in deplorable conditions on her property.

In warrants against Hillis, the animal shelter said the dogs found there looked neglected and malnourished and that they were suffering from mange and disease.

Should Hillis be found in violation, she could be required to serve whatever is remaining on her six-month probationary period or she could have her probation extended.