Animal-cruelty suspect Frank Rich has appealed the Mat-Su Borough's attempt to take control of the 156 malnourished dogs it removed from an alleged puppy mill on his property two weeks ago.

Mat-Su Animal Control issued a forfeiture notice to Rich on Jan. 17 for his dogs after he was charged with more than 50 counts of animal cruelty, but Rich filed an appeal against the forfeiture Monday.

The appeal means both parties will go before a hearing officer, at a hearing expected to take place within a month.

Until then, the dogs will remain in the custody of Animal Control.

Contact Lori Tipton at ltipton@ktuu.com