The Animal Humane Society (AHS) recently received multiple complaints regarding the care and welfare of numerous animals located on a rural property in Fillmore County. The complaints alleged that animals were injured, physically abused, and subject to a deplorable sanitary environment.
Humane Agent Scott Hill investigated the complaints by visiting the property and making contact with the owner of the animals. He observed a group of rabbits, ducks, and chicks that were confined to unsanitary and overcrowded cages.
Agent Hill determined that the animals were living in an unhealthy environment, and the living conditions did not meet the minimum care standards required by law. Several of the animals appeared to be suffering from untreated injuries and health problems. The existing conditions appear to have accumulated over a period of months.
Agent Hill offered the owner options to correct and/or improve the living conditions the animals were subject to. The response by the owner suggested she was unable or unwilling to make the necessary improvements that would meet the minimum standards required by law.
As a result, Agent Hill worked with the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office to procure a search warrant. On April 5 Agent Hill and a team from AHS, along with Fillmore County Deputies, executed the warrant and removed 18 rabbits, eight ducks, and five chicks from the property.
Agent Hill will continue to work with the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office on this pending criminal animal cruelty investigation. The animals will be quarantined at AHS for care and treatment pending a disposition hearing pursuant to Minnesota Statute 343.235.
The Fillmore County Sheriff‘s Department is working in concert with the Animal Humane Society (AHS) based in Golden Valley, Minn. AHS is a private 501 C 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. They have a legislative commission to assist law enforcement with the investigation and enforcement of the animal welfare chapters 343-346.
The Animal Humane Society employs two professional Humane Agents specifically trained in humane law enforcement. They also provide law enforcement with the personnel, equipment and resources necessary to process criminal animal cruelty cases.
Animal welfare cases are often emotionally charged and complicated and this case is no exception. However, the facts and circumstances will be thoroughly investigated and due process will be followed as required by law.
This is an active investigation. The sheriff’s department asks those that are following this case to reserve judgement until all the facts are gathered and the investigation is completed.
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