Animal Cruelty Case: Multiple Dogs Found Dead at Rural Minnesota Pet Rescue

St. James, MN (MinnesotaNow)- Authorities in southern Minnesota are investigating an animal cruelty case involving multiple dead dogs. 

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A news release issued by the Watonwan County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday says deputies first responded to the property on November 15. 

They found the deceased animals when they returned to the land the next day. 

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Multiple Dead Dogs Found at Animal Rescue in Southern Minnesota, Investigation Findings Forwarded to County Attorney

The owners of the property contacted law enforcement about a friend they allowed to operate a pet rescue on land they owned but did not live on. They told law enforcement that multiple dogs on the property appeared to be in poor condition. 

Authorities contacted the pet rescue owner and gave them an “opportunity to address the animals’ health concerns,” the news release says. 

Less than 24 hours later, deputies returned to the property after the landowners reported finding multiple deceased dogs, authorities say. 

The Animal Humane Society’s Crisis Response team was called to the property and removed all of the surviving dogs. The dogs are now receiving veterinary care at the Humane Society’s facility, the news release says. 

Officials did not say how many deceased dogs were found and did not disclose the number of rescued dogs. Authorities have forwarded the findings of their investigation to the  Watonwan County Attorney’s Office for review. 

The name of the pet rescue owner and the location of the pet rescue have not been released.