Sheriff: Neglected Animals Seized From Meeker County Home

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Authorities said at least six horses and nine dogs were seized from their owner in south central Minnesota Wednesday night after it was determined they were suffering from neglect.

The Meeker County Sheriff's Office had been out to the home on the 24000 block of County State Aid Highway 14 in Darwin, which is in Meeker County just west of Dassel, earlier this week on a report that some horses had gotten loose. Authorities rounded up the horses, but noticed that their health appeared to be deteriorating.

The Kandiyohi County Humane Society came to check out the animals, and the homeowner, a 45-year-old woman, ended up surrendering the animals. The Meeker County County Sheriff's Office determined in its investigation that she was not able to maintain the animals, but she was allowed to keep three other dogs.

All the animals seized are being cared for at the Kandiyohi County Humane Society. The Meeker County Attorney's Office said it's reviewing the case and is considering charges of animal neglect.