NORWICH – Last week the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department arrested Douglas A. Hasslett of Greene on 10 counts of failure to license a dog, nine counts of cruelty to animals and one count of aggravated cruelty to animals. One of the dogs was found in the defendant’s freezer, apparently placed there after it had starved to death, said District Attorney Joseph McBride. “This man is charged with cruelty to dogs; I could think of nothing more cruel,” said McBride.

Judge Howard Sullivan ordered that Hasslett be psychologically evaluated.

Defense Attorney Alan Gordon said, “I don’t think my client is against evaluation at all, in fact Mr. Hasslett welcomes the idea.” Gordon said his client was being cooperative with law enforcement agencies and acknowledged he may need psychological treatment. Gordon said Hasslett, 50, had been given some medication the day before appearing in court and was still under their effects. “Due to that medication, my client is not entirely himself,” said Gordon.