Manhattan ? An unlicensed breeder at whose home police found 42 wolf-hybrid dogs has been placed on probation and barred from owning or caring for animals for two years.

Ray Anthony Hernandez, 47, was sentenced Monday in Riley County District Court after pleading guilty to six misdemeanor counts – two of operating a kennel without a license and four of cruelty to animals.

Assistant County Attorney Melissa Rundus said police found the canines at Hernandez’s Manhattan home in June 2006 and determined they were not receiving proper care.

“He tried to turn some (dogs) over to animal shelters before they were removed, but no shelters will take wolf hybrids,” Rundus said.

All but five of the dogs have been destroyed, and Hernandez has until Friday to find homes for the remaining dogs or turn them over to the county animal shelter to be destroyed.

Judge Meryl D. Wilson sentenced Hernandez to one year in jail and two years probation, with probation to begin immediately. He must participate in community service at an animal shelter.