Man Ordered to Forfeit Dogs in Valley Cruelty Case

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A man accused of animal cruelty has been ordered by the Mat-Su Borough to forfeit ownership of nearly 160 neglected dogs seized from his property in January.

A final order from a borough hearing officer, filed Feb. 10, states that Valley resident Frank Rich's dogs were emaciated and dehydrated when Mat-Su Borough Animal Control seized the animals on Jan. 11.

According to the order, Rich has a history of operating both licensed and unlicensed kennels with an excessive number of dogs. He also has a history of failing to maintain sanitary facilities and adequate housing for his dogs.

"Given the circumstances that the animals as a group were kept in, (it) is clear that Mr. Rich cannot be relied on to adequately care for any of these dogs if they are returned to him," the order states.

Animal Control initially sent a forfeiture notice to Rich on Jan. 17, but Rich filed an appeal which required a hearing.

Rich has 30 days to appeal the final order to state Superior Court. In the meantime, Animal Control will continue to care for Rich's dogs.

Contact Lori Tipton at ltipton@ktuu.com