36 NH German Shepherds In Limbo As Owner Appeals Cruelty Charges

STRATHAM, NH — Dozens of New Hampshire German Shepherds remained in limbo this week after their former owner appealed animal cruelty charges. Jennifer Choate, 49, of Bristol, was charged with 22 counts of animal cruelty after police said they found her dogs in a freezing barn in Alexandria in January. In November, seven of her dogs were killed in a fire at her property in Bristol and in December, another 27 dogs were killed in another fire, police said. Officials said they rescued 36 more dogs from her care.

The rescued dogs were placed in the care of the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. NHSPCA Executive Director Lisa Dennison said Choate's appeal has left the dogs in limbo.

"We had hoped that the animals would be relinquished last week and we could finally start the long process of preparing these dogs to go into forever homes," Dennison said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the defendant appealed immediately and is unwilling to do what is best for the dogs."

The appeals process is expected to take several weeks.

Dennison added, "This outcome is tragic for the German Shepherds ... The most difficult part is the not knowing when we will be able to find them a home. We are doing our very best, but a shelter or a kennel is not a home."

Earlier this month, another New Hampshire dog breeder appealed her conviction after police said she abused dozens of Great Danes.

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Photo: An animal welfare worker with one of the dogs rescued from Jennifer Choate. (Credit: New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)