Woman enters 'no contest' plea in cruelty case

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Jul 9, 2009 at 6:11 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 9, 2009 at 6:11 PM MDT

BILLINGS - A Ballantine dog breeder accused of neglecting more than 200 dogs and other animals has entered a 'no contest' plea to a charge of aggravated animal cruelty.

Linda Kapsa entered her plea Thursday before District Judge Susan Watters. A plea agreement allows Kapsa to keep six spayed or neutered companion animals and calls for a 20-year suspended sentence. At sentencing, Kapsa can also ask the judge if she can keep another 20 dogs from among those seized. A sentencing date and restitution amount have not been set.

About 200 English shepherds seized from Kapsa's residence in late December 2008 have been housed at MetraPark and cared for by volunteers. Yellowstone County's cost was near $115,000 by early May.

People who have cared for the dogs for the past six months will have first choice when the dogs are placed for adoption.

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