SANTA CRUZ -- The Boulder Creek man accused of abusing some 50 dogs was scheduled to be released from Santa Cruz County jail on his own recognizance after agreeing to conditions set by a judge on Monday.

Robert Brunette, 45, faces trial on 10 counts of crimes against animals, and four years in prison if convicted.

Judge William Kelsay ordered Brunette to check in over the phone every three days, not possess or care for animals, and allow law enforcement officers to search his property for dogs at any time.

Previously, Brunette refused to agree to conditions to be released and was held on $50,000 bail.

Brunette was arrested on July 31st. Authorities had found 50 dogs on his property on Hartman Road during a search earlier. They said they found 38 severely mistreated and abused dogs there. In addition, there were a number of dead dogs, severed paws and a dog head hanging from a rope.

Neighbors were upset and told KTVU that they were horrified at what seemed to have been going on there.

Officials said they believed that Brunette had an illegal dog breeding operation.