Pender County woman found guilty of cruelty to animals

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Pender County woman has been found guilty of cruelty to animals after several dogs were found dead at a Pender County farm earlier this year.

Manuela Strand received eight Felony counts this week.

The judge sentenced Strand to 18 months probation with mental health assessment and possible restitution.

Manuela Strand is the estranged wife of Joshua Strand. He says after a January 11th court hearing to gain access to his property, he discovered several of his Cane Corsos dead, as well as a mass grave. He says Manuela Strand had been living on the property.

Strand says Animal Control told him the dogs died of dehydration.