Man from Akiak allegedly beat seven sled dogs to death

An Akiak man has been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after allegedly beating seven dogs to death following a family dispute.

Charles Ivan, 23, is charged with burglary, nine counts of animal cruelty and several counts of theft, all of which stem from an alleged argument on the night of September 1st.

In the charging documents, officials state that during the dispute, which occurred in the homes of several families, Ivan damaged electronic devices and stole tobacco and cigarette papers.

Investigators say Ivan then went to his father's dog park, unleashed nine sled dogs, chained them by the neck and beat them with a stick. A witness was able to intervene and save two of the nine dogs.

According to court records, Ivan was arraigned on Tuesday. He was being held at the Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center in Bethel with bail set at $20,000.

His next court date is a hearing scheduled for September 11 at Bethel Court.