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Animals seized in Mississippi cruelty case taken to Virginia

A stock photo depicts a person holding a dog's paw.(Getty Images/iStockphoto/sanjagrujic)

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) — An animal welfare group has flown 83 dogs and cats taken from a south Mississippi couple to Virginia.

The Humane Society of the United States for adoption to new owners.

Spokeswoman Kirsten Peek said Tuesday that a plane flew from Hattiesburg to Virginia on Saturday. Once the dogs and cats are healthier, she said partner groups will offer them for adoption.

These animals will be available for adoption through and  in Northern Virginia. Some will also be available through in Roanoke.

The animals were seized earlier in July from David and Mary Ellen Senne after complaints about conditions on their property near Ellisville, Mississippi.

The Sennes are charged with aggravated cruelty to a dog or cat and are free without bail on the misdemeanor charge. Mary Ellen Senne denies mistreating the animals.

Advocates said the case supports their call for harsher animal cruelty penalties in Mississippi.

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