On, January 10th, animal control in the rural Alaska community of Matanuska-Susitna Borough (a.k.a. Mat-su), seized 157 emaciated dogs from breeder Frank Rich.

Veterinarian Katrina Zwolinski told the Anchorage Daily News that the husky/malamute dogs were all in horrible condition. "All of the dogs have long hair, and you can still see the hip bones. Their spines. Their ribs."

There were no food and water bowls in sight. Many of them had already eaten as much of the fresh snow as they could reach. Another 22 dead dogs were found on the property. 

Rich had quit his job in October and said it was a struggle to keep the dogs fed. But he admitted that he had not asked for help. Instead, he continued to breed dogs.

Unemployment is no excuse for letting dogs suffer and die. 

This isn't the first time Rich has been in trouble. In 2007, his kennel was cited for unsanitary conditions. He currently has a license pending to house 168 dogs.

Rich is facing 50 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Help make sure he's prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Photo credit: timo_w2s