CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- A Taylor County couple is facing 82-counts of animal cruelty. Bobby and Rebecca Phillips have been summoned to appear in Taylor County Court next week on the charges.
The suspects own a dog breeding business in Taylor County, Kentucky.
Police allege 82 dogs were left without adequate food, water, shelter, and health needs at the breeder facility.
Taylor County Attorney John Bertram was one of the first city officials notified of the alleged abuse.
"The allegations that were being described to me appeared to rise to the level of a potential criminal charge," Bertram said.
Bobby Phillips told WHAS11 the breeder business belongs to his wife, Rebecca.
Bobby Phillips said they've owned the business for more than 30-years and never had any complaints until now.
He calls the social media post, which ignited the investigation, a slam campaign and said the court will reveal the truth.
But city officials said these accusations that alerted them to the situation needing immediate action.
County Attorney Bertram quickly called an investigation after hearing the allegations, but then removed himself from the case after learning the identity of the suspects, who he represents through his private practice.
Bertram said, "though our representation of this person has never had anything to do with this aspect of the suspect's business activities, I immediately concluded it was likely I would have to disqualify myself as a prosecutor and immediately contacted."
A special prosecutor from the Marion County Attorney's office was put on the case and filed the charges in court.
The Phillips are now called to appear before a judge on March 26- where they said they plan to prove they have done nothing wrong.
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