The man accused of neglecting more than 30 dogs near West Yellowstone say's he's not guilty.
John Hessert faces 34 counts of animal cruelty for reportedly abandoning the animals near West Yellowstone.
Police say Hessert allegedly kept 33 sled dogs in an unsafe environment with no shelter, food or water.
Authorities seized the animals from the property last month. Hessert pled not guilty to the charges.
The court ordered that he is not to be in possession of any dogs while this case is under investigation.
(From Feb. 19, 2008)
A man accused of neglecting more than 30 dogs near West Yellowstone won't go before the judge for almost another month.
According to court documents, John Hessert faces 34 counts of animal cruelty for allegedly abandoning the animals near West Yellowstone. Officers say a man called animal control to report that 33 sled dogs were being kept in an unsafe environment with no shelter, food or water.
After searching the area, authorities seized the dogs from the property. Court records say a veterinarian examined the animals and determined that all of the dogs were well below normal health and underfed.
Hessert is scheduled to appear before the judge March 17th.
