The San Bruno dog owner charged with misdemeanor animal neglect after 19 shi tzus were confiscated from the cramped, urine-soaked home she shared with them declined a plea bargain Friday and heads to trial in October.

Carol Giani, 70, has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor animal neglect. Prosecutors would not release details of the negotiated settlement offered but said Giani opted for trial Oct. 26.

Giani was charged after a welfare check turned up 19 shi tzu dogs in a foul-smelling residence with varied health conditions which required two of the dogs to be euthanized, according to prosecutors.

The Peninsula Humane Society took the dogs but two had to be put down, one died on his own and the others remain in its care while authorities determine if some can be adopted or a smaller number returned to Giani at the conclusion of her criminal case, according to spokesman Scott Delucchi.

Delucchi said the dogs had varied medical issues, including rotten teeth and tumors, and some were quite geriatric — which could make adoption challenging. Giani reportedly surrendered two of the animals voluntarily but is challenging the seizure of the others.

Prosecutors charged Giani with one count of animal neglect for each of the two dogs euthanized and another count encapsulating the welfare of the remaining animals.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.