Man accused of abandoning sled dogs pleads guilty

Tools

By The Associated Press

Story Published: Jul 22, 2008 at 7:36 AM MST

Story Updated: Jul 22, 2008 at 7:36 AM MST

BOZEMAN - A West Yellowstone man accused of abandoning 33 sled dogs without food, water or shelter has pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.

Twenty-four-year-old John Hessert initially pleaded not guilty to one felony count of aggravated animal cruelty and 33 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. The felony charge was dropped as part of a plea agreement.

Hessert was accused of keeping the dogs in an unsafe environment outside West Yellowstone near Targhee Pass. A veterinarian determined that the dogs were underfed and some had frostbite. Hessert will not be allowed to own or be in control of a dog for two years.

Monday, Aug 4 at 12:14 PM Joe wrote ...

Don't be absurd. Locals tried to steal the dogs and everyone jumped all over John armed with misinformation and mis-led assumptions. Comparing John to Michael Vick is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Compare someone who has won numerous dog care awards and is widely known as a disorganized but good-hearted and talented dog driver to a spoiled pro-football player who fought and killed dogs for money in his back yard? Posts like this are part of what created this media mess.

Tuesday, Jul 22 at 5:31 PM Samantha wrote ...

I completely agree mooselover - our court system should mandate animal compassion classes for anyone who abuses or neglects animals. PETA has a really effective course that Michael Vick was ordered to attend. Animal abuse is a sickness that needs to be addressed - jail time just doesn't get it. When the abuser gets out, they're likely to repeat the same behavior.

Tuesday, Jul 22 at 11:15 AM mooselover wrote ...

How about not being able to EVER own or be in control of a dog. I don't think two years is enough!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

News, Sports, Weather for Great Falls, Helena, and all of Montana and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Great Falls Weather

Icon
Current Temp 34 °F
Overcast and Breezy
Wind : From the South at 22 Gusting to 26 MPH
Pressure : 29.88" (1016.4 mb)
Humidity : 56 %
Click here for our video forecast
More Weather

Helena Weather

Icon
Current Temp 35 °F
Overcast
Wind : From the West at 7 MPH
Pressure : 29.93" (1018.1 mb)
Humidity : 59 %
More Weather

On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Cast Your Vote

Would you like to see Sen. John McCain in the new Obama Administration?

  • Yes
  • No

AP Video