Humane Society takes in 8 more dogs amid investigation into Cottage Grove dog deaths
One of dozens of dogs recently rescued as part of an investigation that started with the discovery of eight dead dogs in Cottage Grove in October of 2023. (Joe Caffrey/KSTP-TV)
More animals have been taken in by Animal Humane Society (AHS) amid an investigation that started with the discovery of eight dead dogs on Grey Cloud Island in Cottage Grove earlier this month.
According to AHS officials, eight dogs came into their facility last Friday from a foster that was affiliated with a rescue group in Andover. That facility was investigated by the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and ended up having 22 dogs being removed from its care last week.
That means the facility is now caring for a total of 30 dogs brought in from the ongoing investigation, and officials say more are possible.
Liz Hagen, the shelter behavior and investigations manager at AHS, says some of the dogs are being treated for fear and anxiety in addition to being hungry and thirsty. They have a goal of getting all of the seized dogs adopted, but while some of the animals are social and happy to be at the shelter, others will require more medical care, making the hill for their recovery steeper, according to Hagen.
She adds there will need to be grooming, bathing and haircuts for the dogs, which are a variety of breeds, sizes and ages, with the youngest being a little over 2 weeks old and the oldest being several years old.
Once the dogs are deemed adoptable, they’ll be listed on the AHS website, which can be found by CLICKING HERE.
As previously reported by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, a warrant was executed at a building near the 15800 block of Seventh Avenue Northwest. The warrant was related to the eight dogs who were found dead in Cottage Grove.
Authorities had stated the building they searched is believed to be where the dogs found on Grey Cloud Island died. One person has admitted to dumping the dogs, however, that person isn’t believed to be the same person who killed the dogs, police said. The cause of their death is still being investigated. While preliminary examinations have been done, officials are still waiting on forensic information.
RELATED: Police: Person confessed to dumping dead dogs on Grey Cloud Island, investigation ongoing
You can report animal abuse or neglect in the state of Minnesota by CLICKING HERE or calling 612-772-9999. Anyone wanting to learn more about the AHS’ Humane Investigations team can do so by CLICKING HERE.
Anyone who needs help providing care to an animal is urged to call the shelter’s pet helpline at 952-435-7738 or send AHS a message by CLICKING HERE.