FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- There's a twist to an animal cruelty story that made international headlines.

Williamson County Animal control seized about 230 Maltese dogs during a raid at Jennifer Siliski's home in January of 2004. Many of them were in poor health and living in filthy conditions

Siliski's ex-husband, Alan, is now suing the county, claiming that more than half the dogs are actually his, per their divorce settlement.

The dogs were eventually adopted out.

Siliski's lawsuit claims the county should pay damages for refusing to return his property.