Boone County Woman Faces Serious Animal Abuse Charges

A Boone County woman faces serious animal abuse charges after dozens of dead and neglected dogs were discovered at her breeding facility.

Deputies say 26-year-old Melissa Nicole Sanders, owner of Magnum Opus German Shepherds, has been charged with three felony and fifteen misdemeanor counts of animal abuse.

Animal Control began investigating after a boarded dog reportedly died from strangulation.

A search warrant Thursday uncovered deplorable conditions – malnourished dogs, some near death, and more than a dozen dead animals throughout the property.

Sanders, known for her large social media following promoting her breeding business, was arrested during a traffic stop and is being held in the Boone County Jail without bond.