Debra Marshall, left, and Douglas Erickson.
HINES, Minn. (KFGO) – Two people are facing felony animal mistreatment charges in Beltrami County.
Deputies first responded to a home near the town of Hines in late October after the Sheriff’s Office received reports of possible animal mistreatment and neglect. They found a large number of cats and dogs that did not have adequate food and water in poorly ventilated areas, with animal feces and urine, with some in need of veterinary care.
During a follow-up visit with a search warrant, conditions had not improved and about 250 animals were running loose. On Friday, deputies, veterinarians and the humane society arrived with a warrant to seize all cats, dogs and deceased animal remains. A woodstove and ash pile were discovered along with bones and bone fragments. 30 cats and 34 dogs were recovered, leaving more than 170 unaccounted for.
Debra Marshall and Douglas Erickson were arrested. Marshall and Erickson are in jail in Bemidji.
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