AHS rescues 61 animals from dangerous breeding facility

Friday, February 26, 2010
WCCO 4 reporting

Earlier this month, the North Central Drug Task Force and the Kanabec County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant near Mora, Minn. Authorities discovered 244 marijuana plants, a large amount of processed marijuana and firearms. They also discovered 67 animals on the property—all with very little food or water and living in substandard housing. Six were found frozen in the snow.

On February 12, Animal Humane Society (AHS) Humane Agent Wade Hanson was called by the Kanabec County Sheriff’s Department to assist in the rescue of the animals, including 52 pit bulls, 25 of which were puppies, four chickens and five cats. Agent Hanson did not find evidence of dog fighting, but found breeding papers indicating the property was also being used as a breeding facility. The animals were seized under warrant and brought to AHS for care and evaluation.

Upon examination it was found that most of the dogs were underweight and suffering from dermatitis and hair loss, a result of their living conditions; all were dehydrated. One of the female adults was pregnant. Most of the dogs were frightened by people.



AHS veterinary staff evaluated each dog for health and behavior. One of its partners in the Minnesota Partnership for Animal Welfare (MnPAW), A Rotta Love Plus (ARLP), assisted with the evaluation of many of the dogs. Unfortunately, 17 of the 52 dogs seized were deemed to be unplaceable for adoption or rescue and were humanely euthanized on February 22. AHS President and CEO Janelle Dixon expressed gratitude that a large number of the dogs involved in the case will have the opportunity for a better life. Working with rescue partners, 35 of the dogs originally seized and eight puppies that have been born since will get a second chance.

AHS quickly placed nine puppies and one adult in its adoption centers, and one has already been adopted. Seventeen other puppies and one adult will be placed in foster care. Six dogs are being transferred to ARLP for rehabilitation, some of which will move on to Underdog Rescue. Eight other dogs will be placed with two other MnPAW partners: Two adults will be transferred to Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud, Minn. for adoption, while six puppies will be transferred to Animal Allies in Duluth for foster care and eventual placement for adoption.

One puppy that was rejected by its mother was transferred to Rescued Pets are Wonderful after several attempts at placing her with surrogate mothers proved unsuccessful. The puppy will be bottle fed in its new place.

All dogs placed in AHS adoption centers and sent out to AHS rescue partners received spay/neuter surgery. The puppies being placed in foster care will be sterilized when they return to be placed for adoption.  

The six dogs, including two puppies, found dead on the property were sent to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine for necropsy to determine cause of death. AHS is still awaiting results.

All of the chickens were evaluated and placed with Chicken Run Rescue. The cats were evaluated, received spay/neuter surgery and were placed in AHS Adoption Centers this week.

Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill
This case is one of many in recent years that AHS has investigated and a realistic example of why AHS and its animal welfare partners are moving forward in their efforts to pass the Minnesota Dog and Cat Breeder Act, also known as the Puppy and Kitten Mill Bill (S.F. 7/H.F 253).

Click here for more information about the bill and how you can help to get it passed.

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