CHIPPEWA COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) – A Chippewa Falls woman is charged with several counts of mistreating animals.
A criminal complaint shows 22-year-old Hannah Swanson is charged with 26 counts, including 13 counts of intentionally mistreat animals, 12 counts of intentionally improper animal shelter space, and one count of disorderly conduct.
According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 1, 2025, authorities received a report of animal maltreatment occurring in Chippewa Falls.
Authorities were informed that Hannah Swanson was operating Davey’s Cat Pit Stop.
Per the criminal complaint, an officer spoke with the Division of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection who said they were familiar with Swanson due to numerous prior violations for keeping dogs in “sub-standard’ conditions. Staff said that due to these violations, they had not renewed Swanson’s kennel license, and the business should not be selling animals.
Staff also said that since Swanson’s license lapsed in October, she imported 50 dogs from the state of Texas to her home in Chippewa Falls.
Authorities arrived to search Swanson’s home on Dec. 2, 2025.
Authorities reported a strong smell of urine in the home. Authorities also reported feces on the floor.
In various locations of the home, there were several kennels/crates with dogs inside. Authorities reported the dogs did not have accessible food or water. Authorities reported that the dogs were crammed inside and did not appear to be able to stretch out or lay down inside the kennels. Some of the crates were stacked three-crates high.
Authorities arrested Swanson and seized 14 dogs due to their condition.
A vet tech said that the size of the kennels/crates were not adequate for at least 12 of the dogs and determined that some of the dogs were thin and in need of care.
Swanson claimed that the dogs were in clean crates with water bowls and food. She claimed that the dogs were let out 5-7 times per day, which was contradictory of statements from a witness.
When asked how much she feeds the dogs per day, Swanson said that she feeds the “skinny dogs” two meals a day and the “fatter dogs” one meal per day.
Swanson denied any maltreatment of the dogs.
According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 2, 2025, Swanson entered Chippewa Humane Association and said she has just been released from jail and was there to pick up her dogs. An officer told Swanson that she could not pick up the dogs and that she needed to leave. Swanson said expletives towards a staff member.
Swanson was arrested for disorderly conduct.
At the jail, Swanson said several expletives towards an officer.
Online court records show an initial appearance is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026.
An amended signature bond of $2,500 was mailed to Swanson for signature.
