Libby man pleads not guilty to animal cruelty charges

A Libby man accused of felony animal cruelty charges after two of his dogs were found starving earlier this fall recently pleaded not guilty to the offenses.

Zachary Allen McGuire, 29, is facing six counts related to the discovery of the dogs earlier this fall, identified as “Angel” and “Cinnamon.”

The charges include three felony counts of animal cruelty and three misdemeanors, one for animal cruelty and two for dogs running at large. 

Public defender Scott Johnson entered the pleas on behalf of his client at McGuire’s arraignment Dec. 16. McGuire was released from custody on his recognizance. Part of his release terms say he is not permitted to own animals.

His next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 13.

According to the narrative by Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Deputy Andrew Smith in the charging document, Smith was patrolling Sept. 16 in the area of Farm to Market Road and Wards Road when he saw two dogs running loose in the 100 block of Wards Road.

Smith reported one of the dogs appeared to be extremely emaciated. Smith loaded the dog, “Angel,” into his vehicle and went to a home on Wards Road where the other dog had run. The property owner said the dogs belonged to McGuire, who was staying on his land.

The deputy left his business card with the property owner and took the dog to the county animal shelter. McGuire called Smith later that evening and allegedly said he wasn’t able to come up with the money to take proper care of the dogs.

The next day, Sept. 17, Smith took “Angel” to Treasure Valley Veterinary Clinic for an exam.

The dog weighed 29.6 pounds and the veterinarian said the dog was extremely emaciated, suffered from an obvious loss of muscle mass, both ears were infected and may have a cancerous tumor on her left mammary gland.

Later that day, Smith met with McGuire at his residence and the defendant brought out a second dog, “Cinnamon.” It appeared to be just as emaciated as “Angel.” McGuire surrendered both dogs to the county. He allegedly said he hadn’t taken either dog to the vet for medical care.

When the deputy took “Cinnamon” to the vet clinic, it weighed 26.6 pounds, was also extremely emaciated, suffered from an obvious loss of muscle mass and had to have a rotten tooth extracted. In addition, an x-ray of the dog showed 10 large bladder stones.

The veterinarian told Smith there was an absolute need for veterinary care for both dogs.

McGuire was cited for failing to provide enough food and water to sustain the animal’s health and failing to obtain appropriate medical care.

A conviction for felony animal cruelty may result in a two-year term in the Montana State Prison. A conviction for misdemeanor animal cruelty may result in a one-year term in the county jail.

A conviction for dogs running at large may result in a six-month county jail sentence.