HINES, Minnesota — This month, officials from Minnesota conducted a visit to a reported animal rescue facility, where they discovered over 250 animals cramped in crates that were heavily contaminated with waste. Disturbingly, many dogs and cats were absent, with only a heap of ashes and bones found on the premises. Ultimately, just 70 of the animals were rescued alive.
A man and woman residing at the location, situated in rural Hines roughly 80 miles south of the Canadian border, faced charges of animal torture relating to this incident. The woman has requested a hearing concerning the legality surrounding the removal of the animals.
Sheriff Jason Riggs expressed his hope for justice on behalf of the affected animals. The investigation by the sheriff’s department commenced after they received a report on October 21 regarding a severely malnourished dog seen roaming loose, alongside other animals confined in unsanitary conditions. Initially, deputies provided the property owners a week to rectify the situation. However, when they returned on October 29, they found at least 250 cats, dogs, and horses, excluding stray barn cats. Again, the owners were given additional time to care for the neglected animals.
By November 12, officers noted the absence of several dogs and cats, with one owner admitting that at least one pet had been euthanized. Many dogs were so undernourished that their ribs and hip bones were visible, with some even resorting to consuming their own feces. Reports indicated that some cats had such little muscle mass they were unsteady when they attempted to stand, while others suffered from severe eye infections that had led to ruptured eyes.
On December 6, the deputies returned armed with a search warrant and rescue workers to facilitate the removal of the animals. The search unearthed a pile of animal bones in an ash heap measuring at least four feet long and two feet deep. The 70 rescued animals were transported to the Animal Humane Society, where temporary shelters were established for them. Spokesperson Sarah Bhimani stated that this substantial effort required significant resources, including 8,000 pounds of cat litter and large quantities of medications and specialized food.
Among the rescued animals was a kitten with a broken pelvis that might require leg amputation. Another kitten, named Korok, faced the possibility of losing both eyes. However, most of the other animals showed signs of quick recovery after receiving a clean environment with adequate access to food and water, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Graham Brayshaw.
Bhimani noted that coordinating for so many animals takes time, emphasizing that all animals were placed under the care of the Animal Humane Society due to ongoing criminal charges and the potential that the previous owner might seek their return. She described the situation as requiring a comprehensive team effort. Sheriff Riggs mentioned that his department seldom deals with large-scale animal abuse cases, necessitating a review of Minnesota’s relevant animal welfare laws and questioning if current legislation adequately protects animals in the state.
Kerry D’Amato, director of the shelter Pet Haven, shared her thoughts on the prolonged response time for rescuing these animals. She indicated that law enforcement in Minnesota lacks sufficient training and resources to promptly manage such situations and noted the absence of state regulations for rescue organizations focusing solely on fostering animals. D’Amato emphasized the importance of learning from this unfortunate incident to improve conditions for animals throughout Minnesota moving forward.