Muddy Paws Animal Torture Trial Set For Sept. 2

Diane Eldrup and her attorney have not yet accepted a plea agreement, indicating the animal torture and cruelty case is likely to go to trial Sept. 2.

Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Mermel, who is prosecuting the case, said he has not heard from Diane Eldrup’s attorney, John Curnyn, since .

“He hasn’t said anything, so I’m assuming we’re going ahead on the trial date,” Mermel said.

Eldrup is accused of starving to death 19 dogs, although , a former rescue and boarding facility on Route 12 in Deer Park.

Eldrup has been , with a maximum punishment of one to three years in jail, and , which carries a maximum jail sentence of five years.

Judge James Booras offered a plea on June 10. Eldrup was asked to consider pleading guilty to the Class 4 felony in exchange for dropping the Class 3 felony charges.

John Curnyn, Eldrup’s attorney did not return a phone call requesting comment.