FREMONT, Neb. (AP) — A couple faces felony animal cruelty charges in the deaths of 30 animals at their Dodge County farm.

Roland and Lori Peterson appeared in court Tuesday in connection with the deaths of 30 dogs, cats, horses and goats between December 2012 and August.

Prosecutors say the couple intentionally and recklessly killed the animals. Dodge County Attorney Oliver Glass filed charges in the case after deputies found decaying animals in a freezer at the farm.

The couple denies the allegations. Lori Peterson tells the station that she believes a highly contagious disease called the canine parvovirus killed the animals.

The couple will make their next court appearance in Dodge County court on Jan. 14. They have been released on bond.