Related links

AKRON, Ohio -- Strong emotions on both sides surround the pre-trial for Liz Carlisle, the former Petland employee, seen in a disturbing photo, holding two dead rabbits.

Carlisle posted the photo on her facebook page, causing a firestorm of controversy.

After pleading not guilty to two counts of animal cruelty last month, her attorney said Carlisle received death threats and is now in hiding.

"I don't have murder trials that have this much publicity and now I have two dead bunnies and everybody and their brother wants to come out and make a big deal about it," said Defense Attorney Ron Gatts. "I think human life is obviously much more important than an animal's life of two rabbits."

Many animal rights protesters say they disagree. Carlisle's attorney says she is the scapegoat in this case, and the order to drown the rabbits came from a manager at the store, because the rabbits were sick and fighting with each other.

Several protesters said that defense is not good enough. "Even if somebody told me that I would never do it, so either way i think she's responsible for it," said Breanna Covar.

Petland Corporate Headquarters closed the store in Chapel Hill Mall where Carlisle worked and moved the animals to another location. Carlisle's second pre-trial is scheduled for Oct. 29th at 2:00 p.m.

If found guilty on both counts of animal cruelty, she could face a maximum of one year behind bars.