1 defendant in animal abuse gets new judge

GALLATIN, Mo. - One of three defendants in a Daviess County animal abuse case will receive changes of judge and venue.

Mary C. Overton, 52, Winston, Mo., faces multiple charges relating to animal abuse, improper disposal of dead animals, operating an animal care facility as a breeder without a license, and keeping unregistered dangerous animals.

Daviess County Associate Judge Daren Adkins granted defense motions Monday for a change of judge and change of venue in Ms. Overton's case.

Brent D. Hudson, 49, and Cherace E. Hudson, 41, also of Winston, face identical charges. All three posted $500 percentage bonds and were released from custody Thursday.

Law enforcement responded to a residence north of Winston March 30 on a call of a chimpanzee that had broken out of its cage. A deputy shot the animal in self-defense. Authorities returned with a search warrant March 31 to begin the process of recovering numerous dogs and several primates that were discovered at the residence.

Compiled by Ray Scherer, who can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.