Animal cruelty case will stay put

A defense attorney for a Kennewick breeder accused of keeping her American Eskimo dogs in deplorable conditions said his client can’t get a fair trial in Benton County.

Peyman Younesi told Superior Court Judge Cameron Mitchell that media coverage of Ella Stewart’s case has been inflammatory and requested the trial be moved.

“This was very negatively perceived in the community,” Younesi said.

Mitchell denied the change of venue request, but said it can be reconsidered if it appears to be a problem in jury selection.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office seized 371 dogs from Stewart’s east Kennewick home in May, after authorities said the pups were found living in filthy, makeshift cages.

Stewart, 67, was charged with one count of first-degree animal cruelty, a felony, and nine counts of second-degree animal cruelty, gross misdemeanors.

Younesi previously objected to using “puppy mill” to describe Stewart’s operation, and a judge said that term shouldn’t be used in court proceedings.

Trial is set for March 15.