NORWICH – A man from Greene accused of abusing several dogs – starving one of them to death – pleaded guilty in county court Friday. Douglas A. Hasslett pleaded guilty to the felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals.

“It should be on the record that the pre-plea and mental health reports indicate the defendant has significant mental health issues and if it wasn’t for that, he’d be going to prison,” said District Attorney Joseph McBride.