Colorado Hiker Who Abandoned Injured Dog Relinquishes Custody

The Colorado climber criticized for abandoning his injured dog on a mountain has agreed to give up custody of the dog to one of its rescuers.

Anthony Ortolani, 29, originally said he wanted custody of his dog Missy when she was rescued by a team of hikers after surviving eight days on the mountain. Since then, Ortolani has received intense criticism and even death threats over his decision.

He was charged with animal cruelty and is relinquishing custody as part of a plea bargain, according to ABC News' Denver affiliate KMGH. The plea bargain will allow him to plead guilty to the lesser offense of a county ordinance.

Ortolani was climbing on Mount Bierstadt with his 5-year-old German shepherd and Rottweiler mix on Aug. 5 when he said a storm moved in and he became worried for his safety and for the safety of his friend. Missy's feet were cut up from walking on jagged rocks and she could no longer walk.

http://gma.yahoo.com/colorado-hiker-abandoned-injured-dog-relinquishes-custody-143341053--abc-news-topstories.html

Good...the guy should not have brought the dog up there to begin with...not sure if he was on federal land, but if so, it my understanding that's illegal.