Woman accused in 5 dog deaths may have violated judge’s conditions

A former animal rescue president accused in the deaths of five dogs was back in court Thursday and could possibly face more legal trouble.

News 12 Staff

Apr 25, 2019, 7:23 PM

Updated 1,919 days ago

Share:

A former animal rescue president accused in the deaths of five dogs was back in court Thursday and could possibly face more legal trouble.
A judge told Heidi Lueders that she has until her next hearing to produce a prescription from a doctor to explain why she had pills in her system during a court mandated drug test.
Lueders' attorney also requested time for a psychiatric evaluation during the hearing. He previously filed a motion that he intends to use his client's mental disease or defect as a defense.
Lueders previously ran Bully Breed Rescue, which has dissolved since her arrest. Police in Fairfield discovered five dogs starved to death inside the home she was renting in November.
Each dog was found in a cage with a collar still on. Police also found piles of garbage, feces and drug paraphernalia inside the home. It's estimated they had been dead between two to 10 months.
The case led to outrage in the community and beyond. Animal advocates say they've made it a point to show up to each of her hearings.
"We want to shine a light on it and make sure people don't forget that she killed these dogs, and they suffered, and she deserves punishment," says animal advocate Tina Bencze.
Lueders is facing five counts of felony animal cruelty, along with a charge of criminal damage to a landlord's property.
She is scheduled for another court appearance on May 31. Her attorney had no comment following the hearing.


More from News 12
1:49
Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

1:34
Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

2:13
‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

0:26
Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

0:16
Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

2:33
Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

0:42
 Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

0:20
Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

0:51
Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

1:57
'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

2:08
63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

0:31
Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

1:57
Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

2:00
Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

0:14
Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

0:56
Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

0:43
Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

0:32
Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

2:46
Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

0:56
Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park

Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park