Abandoned Puppies: Kalispell Man Charged in Death of Pups

Authorities say a retired Kalispell doctor will be prosecuted for abandoning 12 puppies last week at a dump site in Somers.

The Flathead County Attorney's Office says John L. Heine has been charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals.

The 74-year-old Heine said Wednesday he tried to kill all the puppies because he feared they would contract parvovirus.

The puppies were found the afternoon of Aug. 21, along with common household trash, in a gray plastic garbage bag. Ten of them were dead, apparently drowned.

Jenn Makulec maintains the dumpsite in Somers for the county. She is caring for the two remaining puppies, one male and one female, at her home.

Makulec says the infant German wirehaired pointers are recovering well.