The trial began Wednesday for an animal rights activist accused of kidnapping a dog she claims was mistreated.

Tammy Grimes is accused of stealing 19-year-old Jake, a mixed breed dog she said was abused and neglected by his owners.

The owners claim their pet was old and Grimes simply stole him.

While the trial was under way, a group of about 20 animal rights activists protested outside of the Blair County Courthouse. Many of them were members of Dogs Deserve Better, an organization Grimes founded. Some traveled from across the state and brought their own pets.

While the law states all dogs are personal property and subject to theft, activists said dogs are much more than that.

Terry Nelson-Bunge, the State College representative for Dogs Deserve Better, said she believes Grimes had no choice but to take the dog.

"It's very hypocritical of our society that only the day before yesterday Michael Vick got time in jail for abusing animals, and today we're trying to prosecute someone for saving abused animals," Nelson-Bunge said.

Though Grimes is admitting to taking Jake, the defense is not admitting she's guilty of theft. The district attorney said he thinks Grimes is just trying to capitalize on publicity, but the defense refuted that point.

The trial is scheduled for the next three days and protesters said they plan to be at the courthouse each day before court begins. Stay with Channel 6 News and WJACTV.com for continuing coverage.