A Columbia woman accused of abusing nearly 30 dogs will remain in jail indefinitely after a judge denied bond again on Thursday.
Melissa Sanders, who faces 14 counts of animal abuse, petitioned the court last week to be released from jail on bond. She has been denied release multiple times since her arrest in November.
In his ruling Thursday, Boone County Circuit Judge Joshua Devine noted that the court "specifically finds clear and convincing evidence exists that no combination of non-monetary and monetary conditions will secure the safety of the community."
Last month, Sanders rejected a plea deal that would have sentenced her to 16 years in prison. If convicted on all counts of abuse, she could face up to 53 years in prison.
A five-day jury trial for Sanders is now scheduled to begin Oct. 19. A status hearing is scheduled for June 8 to confirm the scheduling and address any further pretrial matters.
Sanders has remained in custody since her arrest in November 2025. In the initial May 1 bond hearing, her attorney argued she is not a flight risk and proposed conditions that include surrendering her passport, GPS monitoring and house arrest.
Andrew Russek, Sanders’ attorney, said she has no significant criminal history and contended that recent developments in the case — including amended charges — weaken the state’s argument that she poses a danger to the community.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Cameron Shields opposed Sanders’ bond request, maintaining that the state’s position has not changed since a previous hearing in January.
Shields argued Sanders poses both a flight risk and a danger to the community, citing her alleged international connections and the severity of the accusations.
Several written impact statements from animal owners were submitted to the court on Monday, and Shields said there is some fear Sanders could try to contact them if she is released from jail.
The case stems from a November investigation in Boone County when authorities found multiple dead and malnourished dogs, along with unsanitary conditions, at Sanders’ breeding and boarding operation. She is accused of abusing nearly 30 German shepherds and other dogs.