Squirrel electrocution suspect pleads not guilty to animal cruelty charges

A woman who is facing animal cruelty charges over electrocuted squirrels pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Spokane County Superior Court.

Mary J. Franks, 68, was reported in October to the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service because an electric fence around her walnut tree displayed nine dead squirrels. Franks allegedly told a SCRAPS officer that she was trying to deter other squirrels from taking her walnuts.

She faces nine criminal charges of animal cruelty, a felony. Each count could cost Franks up to $10,000 and five years in prison.

Franks’ next court date is on June 25 to detail the evidence and testimoniythat will be used in the trial. She is required to attend the hearing.

Spokane County Superior Court Judge Michelle Szambelan is the judge in Banks’ case.