A Columbia woman accused of abusing nearly 30 dogs will remain in jail without bond after a judge Friday left her detention status unchanged. The judge said he could reconsider her bond request at a later date.
Melissa Sanders, who faces 14 counts of animal abuse, appeared in court before 13th Circuit Court Judge Joshua Devine. 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 a bond hearing Friday, 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, 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.