A man and woman who appeared for felony aggravated animal cruelty charges in Lake County Justice Court on Wednesday exited the courthouse to a chorus of boos and chants of “no more puppy mills.”

Larry and Nadine Latzke of LDR Kennels in Charlo are accused of having more than 100 dogs and not providing proper care. Lake County sheriff’s deputies seized 11 of the dogs earlier this month and four were determined to be in need of medical care. The other dogs were left in care of the couple.

Lake County Justice of the Peace Randal Owens conditionally appointed the Office of the Public Defender to represent the couple because they showed up to court without representation. Owens said that a date for an arraignment in Lake County District Court will be set in the next 30 days.

“The maximum penalty under this charge under Montana statute is $2,500, so the fines could be anywhere from zero to $2,500,” Owens told the Latzkes. “There is an $80 surcharge on top of any fine that is imposed, and there is the possibility of up to two years of incarceration on a charge like this, and there is the possibility of restitution if applicable.”

Owens also told the Latzkes that he would let them remain out of jail on their own recognizance, but that they would have to follow the conditions of a restraining order set in place that requires the kennel to not get rid of the dogs. The dogs are considered evidence, a prosecutor handling the case said.

Larry Latzke asked to make a statement during the hearing, but Owens said that Latzke should consult with an attorney before doing so.

The Latzkes exited the courthouse through a side entrance and many protesters followed them to their vehicle, chanting “no more puppy mills.” The protesters numbered more than 40 and held signs with messages urging state officials to impose stricter laws on puppy mills. The protesters packed the Lake County Justice Courtroom during the hearing. The protesters came from as far away as Missoula to protest.  

“We are the voice for the voiceless,” Bigfork protester Tom Hicks said. He and his wife Linda Hicks have fostered dogs over the years and felt strongly about the importance of “alerting people that there is a cancer called puppy mills.”

Linda Hicks focused on the legal system and said Montana’s lack of legislative action has helped enable the puppy mill business.

“There are no laws in Montana,” Hicks said.