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Jury selection began on Monday for the trial of a Jefferson City man accused of abusing nearly 200 malamute dogs.

Mike Chilinski is charged with more than 90 counts of animal cruelty. Prosecutors allege Chilinski neglected to feed or care for his animals. The malamutes were removed from Chilinski's property in October 2011. The dogs are currently housed in the old state nursery building on Highway 12 west.

The Jefferson County Courthouse called in 65 potential jurors, which prosecutors and the defense will narrow down to 12 people with one alternate.

Since the case involves animal cruelty, potential jurors were asked questions about whether they had pets. If they answered yes, the court was concerned whether or not that person could make a rational decision regarding animal cruelty.

A search of the property also turned up 200 marijuana plants.