Steven Yaroslaski, 60, is charged with 27 counts of second-degree animal cruelty for allegedly keeping 34 dogs outdoors in muddy, excrement-caked kennels. Each charge, a misdemeanor, is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Yaroslaski initially pleaded guilty, but at Thursday’s sentencing hearing in Cowlitz County District Court, he moved to withdraw that plea, claiming he wasn’t aware he would be barred from owning any dogs for two years after his conviction. The court granted his motion and set a trial date for April 16. His readiness hearing will be April 5.
Last March, Humane Society officers seized the dogs after receiving a complaint of animal cruelty at 141 N. Bodine Rd. They reported many dogs had matted fur, rotten and missing teeth, ear infections, fleas, dehydration, overgrown nails and red, irritated feet from standing in feces. Some were pregnant, and a few dogs’ collars were embedded in their necks with skin grown around them.
By state law, shelters must be built to allow dogs to remain dry and clean, and feces must be removed daily. The Humane Society cited Yaroslaski for running a kennel without a county permit.
The Humane Society cleaned up the dogs, had them spayed and neutered and provided them with medical treatment. All have been adopted.
(TDN - Feb 26, 2012)
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