(AP) — A Dodge County couple accused of animal cruelty has been barred from owning animals for 20 years.

Roland and Lori Peterson received the sentence Tuesday in Dodge County Court. They were ordered to serve two years of probation.

The couple pleaded no contest in February to four counts each of attempted animal abuse as part of a plea deal.

Authorities investigated the couple in connection with the deaths of 30 dogs, cats, horses and goats found in their residence last August. Deputies found animals in various stages of decay in a freezer.

Lori Peterson said she believed a highly contagious disease called the canine parvovirus killed the animals.