KENNEWICK, Wash. — A woman who bred fluffy white American Eskimo dogs that authorities say were confined in filthy conditions has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges.

The 66-year-old Kennewick woman, Ella Louise Stewart, entered her pleas Thursday in Benton County Superior Court to one felony count of first-degree animal cruelty and nine gross misdemeanor counts of second-degree animal cruelty. Trial is set for Sept. 14.

She was arrested May 12 after a Benton County sheriff

Sheriff

The dogs have been take to animal shelters across the Northwest and many have already been adopted.

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Kennewick dog breeder faces 10 felony abuse charges  (June 27)