Story and photos by Larry Vogel

Protestors gathered as Rose Adams, defendant in the much-publicized recent animal abuse case, was arraigned Wednesday before Edmonds Municipal Court Judge Douglas Fair on charges of misdemeanor animal cruelty and exceeding the maximum number of animals per household.

Adams, free on bail since May 19, entered not guilty pleas to all charges.

She entered the courtroom with her boyfriend George Beutler, also charged with animal abuse. The couple sat quietly holding hands awaiting her arraignment.

Argumentative and combative at times, Adams challenged Judge Fair on several points, contending that she should regain possession of the five legally licensed animals formally in her possession. All 14 animals found in her home were seized; twelve were transferred to a shelter, two to veterinary care.

A group of approximately 30 protesters gathered outside the courtroom to express their concerns about the case and to argue for the animals to be taken from Adams’ home.

Naomi Phillips, one of the protesters, echoed the sentiments of the group. She would like to see the charges upgraded to felony animal abuse, in part as a deterrent to others who might engage in similar crimes. “If precedence is not set with this case, others will think it’s OK to do this,” she said. “That’s why I’m here: to ensure that people like Rose Adams don’t get to own animals again.”

Asked about the recent videos showing Adams and Beutler purportedly abusing the animals, Phillips responded, “When I see the videos of the dogs fighting, being kicked and dragged around by their back legs, I’m filled with horror, shock, anger and sadness. We need to ensure that this can never happen again.”

Fair set a subsequent court date for May 29, at which time he would take up the question of disposition of the animals currently in protective and veterinary care and the costs relating to these.

He ruled that in the interim Adams may not possess or have control over any domestic animals.