The man accused of neglecting more than 30 sled dogs near West Yellowstone was back in court Tuesday.
John Hessert already faced a judge last month, pleading not guilty to 34 counts of animal cruelty. This time, Hessert's attorney requested that custody of the dogs be given to Hessert's father pending the outcome of the case.
Hessert's father lives in Maine, though, which caused prosecutors and Judge Holly Brown to question whether it's in the court's best interest to send the dogs out of state.
Brown's concern was that the dogs may be needed as evidence in an upcoming trial. No decision reached in court Tuesday, instead, Judge Brown will meet with attorneys out of the courtroom to discuss the best option.
The animals were seized this past winter, after police say Hessert allegedly kept the dogs in an unsafe environment with no shelter, food, or water.
(from March 30,2008)
The couple from Manhattan from whom seven weak and malnourished horses were seized from have been arrested.
Betty Brown who faces seven felony counts of animal cruelty was brought before a justice
court judge and then bonded out. Meanwhile, Allen Brown who faces seven misdemeanor counts is still waiting to see a judge.
Both of the Browns have had previous run-ins with law enforcement with Allen Brown being cited for being a public nuisance concerning his home in Manhattan. Neighbors have complained since 1999 that the property was a mess, and the city finally had to hire a crew to clean it up.
Officials with the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office are looking for possible foster homes for the horses who were taken from a Gallatin Gateway property, and if you're interested, you need to be well trained in horse care.
For more information call 582-2100 and ask for animal control.
