Retired doctor sentenced for abandoning puppies

Tools

By The Associated Press

Story Published: Jul 2, 2009 at 10:18 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2009 at 10:18 PM MDT

KALISPELL - A retired Kalispell doctor who pleaded no contest to aggravated cruelty to animals for abandoning 12 puppies at a dump site in Somers has been given a six-month deferred sentence.

John L. Heine learned his sentence Thursday in Flathead County District Court. The puppies, only two of which survived, were found Aug. 21 in a garbage bag at a dump site.

The 75-year-old Heine, a retired obstetrician who breeds dogs, has said he tried to drown the puppies because they were an unwanted litter and he feared they might contract parvovirus after two puppies he had shipped from Texas died from the disease.

Missoula

Icon
Current Temp 46.0 °F
Fair
Wind : Calm
Pressure : 1025.1 mb
Humidity : 79 %
More Weather

Butte

Icon
Current Temp 40.0 °F
Fair
Wind : Southeast at 4.6 MPH (4 KT)
Pressure : 1025.3 mb
Humidity : 77 %
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.

Poll

Do you think Montana's DUI laws need to be tougher?

  • Yes
  • No

AP Video