Dozens of dogs looking for new homes after Andover animal rescue deemed uninhabitable

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Dozens of dogs are looking for new homes after being saved from a Minnesota animal rescue.

The Animal Humane Society is caring for 30 dogs connected to a rescue in Andover.

Anoka County Sheriff's deputies served a search warrant there last week after eight dogs were found dead near Cottage Grove this month.

Deputies believe the dogs died at the rescue.

"In this profession there's a lot of sadness," said Tierney Peters with the Sheriff's Office. "Of course [our deputies are] human beings, and many of them are dog lovers themselves. It's difficult of course."

The Humane Society says 22 dogs were taken from the rescue and eight were brought in from foster homes.

The city of Andover has deemed the animal rescue uninhabitable.

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Liv Hagen with the Humane Society says the goal for the dogs taken from the rescue is adoption.

There are a variety of breeds, sizes and ages.

"They've been very thirsty, very hungry," Hagen said. "We do have dogs that are currently being treated for some fear and anxiety as well. We're always very happy when we can remove animals from these situations and get them out of a tough spot."

No charges have been filed. No one's been arrested.

The causes of death for the eight dogs are still being determined.

"This is still a very active investigation to ensure that no other animals are harmed or put in unsafe situations," Peters said.

Cottage Grove police say someone's confessed to dumping the dogs' bodies, but they don't believe the person was responsible for the deaths.

Peters says that person's significant other has ties to the Andover rescue.

"We all go home and hug our own pets a little bit tighter when this happens," Hagen said.

Hagen says some of the dogs could be ready to be adopted in a week or two, and others will take longer.