An Akiak man is facing multiple charges of felony animal abuse after he was accused of hanging seven sled dogs and beating them to death.
Ivan Charles, 23, argued with family members on Sept. 1 and damaged possessions in their home, according to an affidavit written by Alaska State Trooper Luke Kumfer in support of the charges. He broke into another family member’s home and stole tobacco and rolling paper, the affidavit said.
Charles then headed to his family’s nearby dog yard, untethered nine dogs and hung them with a chain before beating them with a stick, the affidavit said. A witness alerted a family member, who saved two of the dogs, according to the affidavit. Seven dogs died, it said.
Troopers responded and located Charles, who they said admitted damaging and stealing property as well as harming the animals, the affidavit said.
Charles is charged with nine felony counts of cruelty to animals, one count of burglary, three charges of criminal mischief and one count each of theft and interfering with the report of a domestic violence crime.
He remained in custody at the Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center in Bethel on Monday. He is being held on $20,000 bail and has requested to represent himself, according to the conditions of release.
Akiak is on the Kuskokwim River roughly 42 air miles northeast of Bethel.