Bill allowing dog trainers to use human remains enters Legislature unopposed

HELENA — Dr. John Torgerson died in an avalanche in February of 2018. Cadaver dogs brought in from out-of-state found his body buried in the snow. Mary Lehman, a search and rescue dog trainer and handler, read a report on his death to a panel of lawmakers Wednesday.

“A body was recovered on May 15, 2018 after nearly three months,” Lehman said. “After the individual went missing while skiing in the big mountain backcountry, drawing a close to a period of agonizing uncertainty for family and friends.”

Lehman has trained search and rescue dogs in Arizona, Utah, Texas and Montana, and has worked as a Search and rescue officer for more than 20 years.