A La Plata County man charged with 115 counts of animal cruelty in connection with a massive animal seizure in November pleaded not guilty Tuesday.
Jeffery Jackson, 48, is scheduled for a jury trial starting July 12 before La Plata County Judge Dondi Osborne.
Jackson and his partner, Elizabeth Miera (who also goes by the last name Jackson), were charged after the seizure, in which more than 110 animals were taken from their property in southwestern La Plata County.
La Plata County Animal Protection carried out the seizure Nov. 15, 2017, after a lengthy investigation into the mistreatment of the animals on their property. Several other agencies participated in the seizure.
Animals seized included dogs, a cat, pigs, goats, sheep, horses, a burro, a duck, chickens and cattle. Authorities haven’t said where the animals were relocated but said they are being well cared for.
A previous visit revealed the property in a state of disarray, with trash, metal and other objects strewn about. Neighbors had long complained of the mess and the possible mistreatment of animals.
Jackson’s court appointed attorney John Baxter declined comment. Calls to Jackson and Miera were not returned.
Miera, 47, was charged with 114 counts of animal cruelty.
She was hit with two additional charges of unlawful possession of wildlife and unlawfully transporting portions of wildlife after investigators found a poached elk on the property.
Miera’s next scheduled court appearance is May 15.
jromeo@durangoherald.com