Dogsey

Jefferson County District Court has decided that a dog breeder accused of animal cruelty can re-home 70 of over 160 malamutes that were taken from his property.

Mike Chilinski faces 91 counts of felony animal cruelty after being reported by people “horrified” at conditions at the kennels. Some of the malamutes were reported to be underweight and suffering from parasitic infestation and untreated wounds, and living in filthy pens with little or no water. They have since been cared for by The Lewis and Clark Humane Society at an estimated cost of $11,000 a month.

Giving his testimony, Chilinski – who is awaiting trial after pleading not guilty to all felony charges - told the judge that 70 people had contacted him “across the globe” interested in adoption and that he had a world-wide reputation as a top breeder. Judge Loren Tucker said that the cost for caring for the malamutes was a “hideous burden on the public and the Humane Society” and that the adoptions could “only happen with the understanding that Chilinski will never regain those dogs.”

Defending his position, Chilinski denied that the dogs had been starved, saying they were “functional sled dogs”, not pets, and buyers want them to be slim. He added that dogs that he bred and co-owned had won awards at a dog show a week after his arrest.

Gina West, Director of the Lewis and Clark Human Society, has spoken of her disappointment at the judge's ruling. She said the dogs were getting back to where they should be and is concerned that the dogs will be re-homed with breeders.

Watch a report here:
http://www.kfbb.com/news/local/Human...?video=pop&t=a

Read the original story here:
http://www.dogsey.com/dog-news.php?t=159003