Animal Cruelty Cases in Minnesota

Minnesota acknowledges the severity of this crime and provides protection of animals under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 343. This law protects all animals, where "animal" is defined as "any living creature except members of the human race."

Multiple types of animal crimes

As with crimes against humans, there are multiple types of crimes against animals, including intentional abuse (i.e., stabbing, beating, poisoning), organized abuse (i.e., dog- and cock-fighting), animal sexual abuse, and neglect (i.e., not providing proper food or veterinary care or gross and chronic neglect such as hoarding). See FBI & BCA.

The Link between animal abuse and human violence

In addition to the direct crime of cruelty to an animal, this cruelty can also be linked to violence against humans, such as the connection to child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse. Animal cruelty is known as a predictor and indicator crime. Learn more about The Link.

Animal cruelty court cases in Minnesota

Animal Folks has been collecting and analyzing animal cruelty conviction cases in Minnesota representing the past ten years. We will be posting our findings with some cases on this website. To locate a specific criminal or civil court case in Minnesota, and court calendars, go to: Minnesota Judicial Branch

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MN cruelty cases — examples

There are numerous cases of animal cruelty throughout Minnesota. Below is a small sample of cases showing types of crimes. Cruelty occurs in all areas of Minnesota.

• Dakota County, Barbara Ann Crosby

Barbara Ann Crosby was charged with felony animal cruelty. It is reported that Crosby took her fiance's labrador retriever for a walk to a local park where she allegedly stabbed the dog to death and left the body tied to a tree. An investigation was conducted by the Lakeville Police Department; officers collected evidence, including a forensic necropsy confirming "multiple stab wounds to the neck", scratches on the defendant, and statements made by the dog owner's relative. On March 27, 2021, the Acting Dakota County Attorney charged Crosby with one count of animal cruelty (Minn. Stat. sec. 343.21.1 Torture) and felony penalty (Minn. Stat. sec. 343.21.9(d) Death or Great Bodily Harm).

• Complaint: State of Minnesota vs. Barbara Ann Crosby (with Statement of Probable Cause)

• Fillmore County, Moulton Chinchilla Ranch

Moulton Chinchilla Ranch was a large breeder of chinchillas located in Fillmore County, Minnesota. This chinchilla breeder had operated for decades, originally breeding and killing the animals for their pelts. Breeding and sales were to research laboratories and pet stores nationwide. For years Moulton Chinchilla Ranch was licensed and inspected by the USDA; this licensed was revoked in 2021. Since 2018, Animal Folks had submitted complaints to the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office of suspected animal cruelty; this data was submitted to the county attorney who declined to charge under state criminal statutes. Read more about the Moulton Chinchilla Ranch.

• Washington County, Jacob Germain

On January 27, 2020, Jacob Germain pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty for violently beating an 8-year-old dog named Froto, causing him broken limbs, a punctured lung, and bloody and bruised face. Due to these injuries and his suffering, Froto was euthanized. Germain was a tenant in the home of 73-year-old Gemma Barry. Barry considered Froto family and he was her constant companion. On September 16, 2020, Germain was sentenced. Kudos to the prosecutor, law enforcement, and veterinarians for their effective work on the case.

News: Former Tenant Charged in Beating Death of Willnerie Woman's Dog

News: This colorful character has done much for her small town. Now they're giving back.

• Cass County, MN: Deborah Rowell

Large commercial dog breeding facility where over 100 dogs were siezed from unsanitary conditions. Breeder was still allowed to breed (no conditions placed during sentencing). MN Board of Animal Health granted breeder a license to operate, though breeder was convicted. Read more about the Rowell case.

News: More than 130 dogs seized from dog breeder in Pine River, MN.

News: Minnesota dog breeder charged with multiple counts

News: Breeder Charged for Deplorable Conditions, Still Allowed to Breed

• Cass Lake, MN: William Lee Croaker

A man was charged after poisoning several of his neighbor's pets in an attempt to keep them away from his home. Officers found a dog bowl filled with antifreeze outside his home. He was charged with a gross misdemeanor and sentenced to 30 days in jail.

• Dakota County, MN: Dayna Bell

Dog breeder found guilty and convicted of 13 felony counts of animal cruelty. Case was appealed to the Court of Appeals who affirmed conviction. Case was then appealed to the MN Supreme Court who denied to hear it. Read more about the Dayna Bell case.

News: Breeder Charged with Cruelty, Killing Puppies

News: Jury convicts Northfield breeder of animal cruelty

• Harris, MN: Mark D. Gerard

A man shot his neighbor's cat because the animal had allegedly visited his property multiple times and killed one of his chickens. Charges were initially dismissed, then the dismissal was reversed by the Court of Appeals.

News: Ruling sends cat slaying case back to district court

• New Brighton, MN: Neal Zumberge

Trial held for Neal Zumberge, a New Brighton man who killed his neighbor. Early reports stated that the killing was due, in part, to his neighbor (Todd Stevens) feeding deer. Steven's girlfriend testifies other dead animals, including a beheaded squirrel, mutilated bird, and body parts of deer were left in their yard.

News: Jury finds Zumberge guilty of murdering neighbor

News: Zumberge testifies

• New Prague, MN: Elizabeth (Libby) Osterbauer
66 dogs and puppies were confiscated from a hobby farm owned by Elizabeth Osterbauer, who also ran an animal rescue named Close to Home Canine Rescue. Osterbauer was charges with animal cruelty. Osterbauer was also accused of breaking into the home of Shelly Byzewski, an acquaintance of Osterbauer, then kidnapping and killing Byzewski’s dog, Ducky. Osterbauer was charged with burglary in association with the crime.

News: Charges: Spurned Love Prompts Woman to Steal, Drown Dog

• Pine County, MN: Kathleen Doenz and Gloria Carlson

Over 100 animals were seized from the rural farm property after the Pine County Sheriff's Office received complaints of animal neglect and cruelty. The animals were malnourished with many living in conditions described as deplorable.

News: 135 horses, dogs, chickens and ducks seized from Pine county farm

News: Starving horses and dogs again seized from Pine County animal owner

• Princeton, MN: Anthony Sather

Sather savagely beat and killed his then-girlfriend's dog named Draco and videotaped the act. Sather pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in jail, 4 years probation and multiple conditions. At sentencing, Judge Hayes said he's only had one other case in his 20 years on the bench that was this disturbing.

Original Complaint: Anthony Sather Case. 71-CR-15-31

News: Smiling for camera, Princeton man records torture

News release from Sherburne County Attorney

News: Man who pleaded guilty to beating, killing dog sentenced

• Rock County, MN: Christensen Farms

A complaint was filed by Last Chance for Animals against Christensen Farms (large hog production facility) in Rock County, MN for animal cruelty. The county attorney declined to press charges.

News: Minnesota hog farm suspends 7 over animal abuse video.

• Savage, MN: Rudolph Poppe

Police were called to the man's home when neighbor's witnessed him hitting his elderly dog over the head multiple times in his driveway. He was intoxicated and police had to restrain him with two sets of handcuffs. His wife filed an order for protection after the incident. Poppe was sentenced to 90 days in jail and five years probation after pleading guilty.

News: Man who crushed dog's skull with sledgehammer pleaded guilty

• Wabasha, MN: Man Stabs Police Dog
Shane Michael Cronin stabbed a police dog after it chased him into the woods following a police chase. Cronin had stolen several items, including a vehicle, from a local residence. The dog sustained stab wounds in its side and was treated at a local veterinary clinic. Police later arrested Cronin after finding him hiding naked in a tree.

News: Goodhue County K9 Stabbed

• Washington County, MN: George Nichols

Animal cruelty felony charged filed against man who tried to cut off dog's head with machete. Dog (named Jack) was euthanized due to attack. Man had argued with his then fiancee and stated: "If Jack is the problem, then I will get rid of the problem."

News: Man accused of beheading dog with machete

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