Animal Abuse Cases - Details

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Neglect - 16 American Eskimo dogs seized - (Fillmore County, MN - US)

Crime Date: 12/09/2004
Case Status: Not Charged
Abusers/Suspects:
Abuser: Suspect's Name Unreleased

Case Report

Humane Society volunteers have rescued 16 American Eskimo dogs from filthy conditions in east central Fillmore County. Volunteers went to the farm last week and rescued nine of the animals that appeared to be in the worst physical condition. They went back to the farm on Thursday with Fillmore County Sheriff's officials - after a judge issued a search warrant on suspicion of animal neglect - and rescued the remaining seven dogs.

No one lives on the farm, said Chief Deputy Sheriff Darrell Jensen. The owner, who lives in Missouri, told a local resident to feed and water the dogs every other day.

Two weeks ago, a Winona businessman who owns land nearby told the Humane Society about the suspected animal neglect, said volunteer Cheryl Armstrong.

Fillmore County will notify the owner of the problem and give her 10 days to request a hearing to reclaim the animals. If the owner takes no action, the Humane Society can offer the dogs for adoption, Jensen said.

The sheriff's office is gathering evidence for possible criminal charges. No charges have been issued.

Some of the American Eskimo dogs were in rough shape. When the first nine dogs were taken back to Winona for care, some of them left a layer of fleas floating in bath water, volunteers said.

"They had stuff impaled in their eyes," said humane society volunteer Deborah Stowe. The animals were found alongside empty bags of food, broken glass, feces and clumps of fur.

The vet costs for the first nine rescued dogs have reached $3,000.

Melissa Lepsch, a veterinary technician at Winona Veterinary Hospital, said seven of the 16 dogs have found temporary foster homes.

"They all need some tender loving care and know what living in a house is like," she said.

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