DOG AND CAT RESCUE GONE BAD
Two people are scheduled to appear in court on December 30th after the alleged mistreatment of approximately 250 animals on their property in northern Minnesota, of which 170 animals are now unaccounted for.
UNSANITARY CONDITIONS
Debra Marshall and Douglas Erickson are each facing 10 felony counts of animal mistreatment. 64 animals have been recovered, and investigators are combing through animal bones that have ‘allegedly’ been found on the property. The Animal Humane Society shared photos from the investigation and made a statement saying that the animals ‘were kept in dire, unsanitary conditions without proper shelter, food, water, or medical care.’
The complaint stated that the animals found were ‘ displaying symptoms of significant illness and malnourishment.’
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COMPLAINT FILED
According to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s office, the property was under investigation starting back in October after receiving the report of possible mistreatment and neglect of animals.
Beltrami deputies visited the home and spoke with Douglas Erickson who stated that Debra Marshall owned the property and ran a dog and cat rescue.
Deputies reported seeing ‘a large number of cats and dogs that did not have adequate food and water, lived in poorly ventilated environments, had accumulated animal feces and urine, and needed medical care.’
FOLLOW UP VISITS
Reports from a follow-up visit on October 29th stated that cats were seen ‘running loose on the property.’ They also stated that the smell of ammonia and feces was so bad that deputies had experienced burning eyes and lightheadedness.
November 12th, a third visit was conducted with police, agents from the Animal Humane Society, and veterinary staff. Law enforcement began a plan to return and seize both living and deceased cats and dogs on the property, but when they returned, many of the animals were unaccounted for.
BONES FOUND- ‘TOO NUMEROUS TO COUNT’
An outdoor woodstove and ash pile were located near the home, and bones and bone fragments were found ‘too numerous to count.’
30 cats and 34 dogs have been recovered, and four other dogs have already been surrendered to a rescue.
Erickson and Marshall were released from custody on Monday.
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