Two people have been arrested and charged with felony animal mistreatment following an investigation in northern Minnesota that involved more than 250 cats and dogs, most of which were apparently dead and their remains incinerated.
According to a news release from Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs, the arrests, which occurred Friday, stem from a weekslong probe into reports of severe neglect involving hundreds of animals at a rural property near Hines, about 20 miles northeast of Bemidji.
Deputies first responded to a residence in the 16700 block of Aksarben Lane Northeast on Oct. 21 after receiving a report of potential animal neglect. Deputies discovered numerous cats and dogs living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, with inadequate food, water and ventilation. Many of the animals were visibly in need of medical care, the release said.
These concerns were discussed with the property owners, identified as Debra Marshall and Douglas Erickson, and they were advised that a follow-up visit would be conducted to ensure the issues were addressed.
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On Oct. 29, deputies returned with a search warrant granting them access to search for all animals at the address, as they were previously prohibited from seeing all areas of the residence.
Deputies then discovered that the conditions had not improved and located approximately 202 cats and 50 dogs, with several other cats being left unaccounted for due to them running loose on the property, the release said.
Despite further warnings and additional visits — including one on Nov. 12 with animal humane agents and veterinarians — the owners failed to bring conditions into compliance with Minnesota law.
Symptoms of illness and malnourishment persisted among the animals, prompting authorities to coordinate with the Animal Humane Society, the release said.
On Dec. 6, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, veterinarians and Animal Humane Society personnel returned with a warrant to seize all cats, dogs and deceased animal remains located on the property under the authority of the Minnesota Animal Welfare Act.
“When executing the search warrant, it became evident that many of the animals were unaccounted for,” the release said. “An outdoor woodstove and ash pile were located nearby. Numerous bones and bone fragments were discovered in the ash, too numerous to count.”
A total of 64 animals were recovered — 30 cats and 34 dogs — leaving more than 170 missing. Deputies were able to confirm that only four of the dogs had been surrendered to a rescue, the release continued.
The property owners, Marshall and Erickson, were arrested and taken to the Beltrami County Jail. Both face charges of felony animal mistreatment under Minnesota statute.
The release added that the Animal Humane Society and veterinarians assisted the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office and the investigation remains ongoing at this time.
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