Snowmass Village Town Council Closely Watches Dog Case

ASPEN, Colo. (AP) - The Snowmass Village Town Council will wait until October to discuss its lease with an Aspen dog-sledding operator facing animal cruelty charges.

The mayor of Snowmass Village refused to allow an audience member to speak about the ongoing controversy surrounding Krabloonik operations on Monday, saying it is inappropriate to debate the issue until the court case is settled.

Town Attorney John Dresser has repeatedly advised delay, fearing a council discussion could compromise Dan MacEachen's trial. MacEachen's Krabloonik dog-sledding operation is on Snowmass Village property. MacEachen pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for a three-day jury trial scheduled to start Oct. 8.

MacEachen has denied wrongdoing, but agreed to forfeit the right to eight dogs seized from his business in December.

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