Minn. Dog Kennel Owner Charged With Animal Neglect

PINE RIVER, Minn. (AP) — The owner of a northern Minnesota breeding operation where more than 130 dogs were seized earlier this month is charged with misdemeanor animal neglect.

The Cass County prosecutor's office said Monday it filed a nine-count criminal complaint against 60-year-old Deborah Rowell.

The complaint says when officers executed a search warrant at Rowell's kennel in Pine River on July 16, they found improper enclosures, inadequate ventilation, improper dog houses and inadequate shade and water.

Prosecutors say many dog houses didn't have the required elevation to keep dogs and bedding from mixing with waste and rainwater. Many of the water containers appeared to have dirty, green water.

Authorities seized 133 dogs, including 29 puppies.

Rowell did not immediately return a phone message Monday. She makes her first court appearance Aug. 19

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