Man pleads guilty in deaths of 4 puppies at illegal kennel

SALEM, Mass. – A Massachusetts man who police say worked with a breeder accused of hanging two puppies and giving Valium to a dog that later died has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty.

The Salem News reports that 37-year-old Jason Gentry entered the plea Wednesday and agreed to testify against his co-defendant, New York dog breeder Dominic Donovan.

Investigators say the breeder also cropped the ears of several puppies without anesthesia, leading to the death of one.

Police say Gentry was training dogs for Donovan at a squalid unlicensed kennel in Lynn. Gentry was charged in the deaths of the four dogs the breeder allegedly killed and for the mistreatment of several others.

Gentry’s sentencing is scheduled for April 18. Donovan has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

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Information from: The Salem (Mass.) News, http://www.salemnews.com