56 animals rescued from unsafe conditions in Morrison County home
MOTLEY, Minn. – An unrelated call for help led to a major rescue mission last month.
Investigators say 56 dogs, cats, and critters were crammed inside a filthy home near Motley in Morrison County. The Animal Humane Society helped law enforcement remove the animals.
"Some of them are already coming up for adoption. A number of them are still being treated medically or behaviorally," Sarah Bhimani with AHS said.
Some of the animals suffered from severe respiratory illness, skin conditions and dehydration.
"It takes a lot of people to care for these animals, from veterinarians to vet techs to animal care staff who are doing the feeding and the cleaning, our behavior specialist," Bhimani said.
Information on the dog's kennel says they're there due to extraordinary circumstances and lacked appropriate socialization and health care.
The search warrant of the home that led to the removal sheds light on the conditions at what was said to be an animal rescue. It says an investigator "noted a strong smell of feces and urine coming from inside the home," and heard a "large number of dogs barking." It goes on to say they observed "multiple kennels stacked upon other kennels," and some of the "cages were stacked to the ceiling."
All of the cats ready for adoption have already found homes. Other animals are getting there.
"I think it's really about patience and giving them the time to acclimate to their new surroundings, the new people. It's a big change for them," Bhimani said.
AHS lists the animals from this case on their website that are up for adoption, with a banner that says Special Project. You can see them in person Tuesday through Sunday.
We spoke with the woman listed as running the animal rescue. She said she has no comment.