HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Jefferson County man who faces 91 counts of animal cruelty over conditions in kennels that housed about 160 malamutes has agreed to release 33 of them for adoption.

Lewis and Clark Humane Society Executive Director Gina Wiest says Mike Chilinski visited the now 200 dogs and selected some to be relinquished to the shelter. She says they will be spayed or neutered and be available for adoption through the Alaskan Malamute Assistance League.

The dogs that were seized last October and their offspring were being held as evidence in the animal cruelty case, which is scheduled to go to trial in October. Chilinski also faces charges of possession and manufacture of dangerous drugs after investigators seized more than 200 marijuana plants from his property south of Jefferson City.

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