Animal cruelty hearing continued

The preliminary hearing for two Mottville Township residents charged with animal torture and cruelty will continue next month.
St. Joseph County District Court Judge Jeff Middleton began hearing testimony Tuesday in a preliminary examination for Jessica Archberger and Troy Leiby.
Charges against the two were brought after exotic animals were seized Jan. 29 from a home they rented on Barker Road.
Binder Park Zoo veterinarian Judilee Marrow testified that the health of one of the animals seized, a bettong, has been ill and recommended it be euthanized.
She added that at the time of the animal was rescued it was missing fur and there was evidence of scabs.
The animal now appears to be blind and unable to locate water, Marrow said, adding that the condition was compounded by dehydration while in captivity. Middleton asked for an order for euthanasia on the mammal.
No date has been set for continuation of the hearing. The prosecution and defense both have several witnesses remaining.