[Feb. 17, 2008 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner]

'Hessert charged with cruelty'

J.T. Hessert, who was withdrawn from the 2007 Yukon Quest primarily for not having a handler, was charged Thursday with animal cruelty, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported.

Hessert was charged with one count of felony aggravated animal cruelty and 33 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty after 33 sled dogs were found abandoned near West Yellowstone, Mont., without food, water or shelter.

After a concerned citizen called animal control, a search warrant was signed and the dogs were seized from the property, court records stated.

A veterinarian examined the dogs Feb. 2 and determined that the dogs were all “well below normal health and had not been being fed enough food.”

One of the dogs had a collar embedded in its neck and other dogs had frostbite, according to court records.

Hessert is expected to enter a plea in Gallatin County District Court at a later date.