SPRING GROVE – A Spring Grove couple who tout their ability to breed Great Danes with “great pride” were charged Thursday with animal cruelty after police found 17 of the giant dogs malnourished inside their home.

Husband and wife Sal C. Messina, 40, and Patricia C. Messina, 43, were arrested and charged with 17 counts of violating owner’s duties, a class B misdemeanor, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.

Of the 17 rescued dogs, nine tested positive for Giardia, authorities said. Giardia is a parasite that causes diarrhea and can be passed to humans.