A 50-year-old New Boston man was convicted Nov. 26 on four counts of cruel treatment of an animal.

Ricky Leroy Bonjour was found guilty after a half day bench trial presided over by Mercer County Circuit Court Judge Gregory Chickris.

The judge ordered Mr. Bonjour to pay more than $4,000 in veterinary bills and to cease breeding animals. Mr. Bonjour received a 30-day jail sentenced stayed, meaning he will go to jail if he doesn't comply with the court order.

Last January, Mercer County Animal Control officers rescued 39 dogs at his house. According to the Mercer County state's attorney's office, the dogs had been left to suffer with injuries in their own waste without the owner providing any veterinary care.

Mercer County Animal Control Officer Chris Brewer said some of the dogs were pregnant. One had a broken jaw.

"They were small breeds living in their own feces and urine soaked from head to toe living on a concrete floor," Ms. Brewer said.

Mr. Bonjour denied the charges.

Mercer County Assistant State's Attorney Meeghan Lee said, "We are thankful for his convictions and continue to believe more jail time would be appropriate."

Ms. Brewer said all of the dogs were adopted out.