Worth County animal neglect trial scheduled to start today

MANLY — The trial of a woman from rural Manly charged with 14 counts of animal neglect is scheduled to start today in Worth County court.

66-year-old Barbara Kavars was charged after over 150 animals were seized from an alleged puppy mill back in November of last year. In several visits to Kavars’ property, a Worth County sheriff’s deputy said he saw kennels covered with feces and mud, and visibly skinny dogs with no water and little food.

Court records describe overcrowded and filthy conditions at the rural Manly property. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals cared for the animals and called the operation a “puppy mill.”

Kavars originally was charged with 17 counts of animal neglect, but prosecutors requested that three of the charges be dismissed in what they termed as “in the interests of judicial economy”.

Animal neglect is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $625 on each charge