Bones In Wood Stove, Ash Heap Found Amid Animal MN Abuse Investigation

BELTRAMI COUNTY, MN — Two Minnesotans are accused of animal cruelty after deputies said they found dogs and cats living in extremely unsanitary conditions, as well as animal remains.

Douglas Ray Erickson, 49, and Debra Kay Marshall, 65, both of Hines, each face 10 counts of animal mistreatment. Each charge carries a maximum of two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

On Oct. 21, Beltrami County dispatch received a report of suspected animal neglect. A witness described seeing a small, light-colored dog that appeared severely underweight and almost entirely hairless.

The witness also reported that the property where the dog came from housed numerous dogs confined to small cages surrounded by accumulated feces, emitting a strong, foul odor.

A deputy responded to the residence and spoke with Erickson, who stated that he and Marshall own the property and run a rescue for dogs and cats.

While looking around the property, the deputy observed several dogs in cages that contained days worth of feces built up and were located directly on the ground, according to the criminal complaint.

All of the long-haired dogs had severe matting, and two of them had burs matted into their coats so severely that the deputy was unable to check the condition of the skin, authorities said.

One of the dogs had standing fluid in the cage that appeared to be a mix of feces and urine. The dog also appeared to have a medical issue or injury to the left front leg.

The deputy advised that law enforcement would be conducting a follow-up to verify that the enclosures were being cleaned.

About a week later, deputies performed the follow-up animal welfare check. Marshall and Erickson were there at the time, authorities said.

Deputies made the following observations, according to the criminal complaint:

• Four crates did not have adequate food or water
  • Standing urine and piles of feces were visible on the floors of the crates
  • The dogs’ feet were stained dark brown from the urine and feces
• Numerous cats were located in various sheds, including a dilapidated and uninhabitable trailer house, none of which had adequate ventilation
• In many of the sheds and buildings, the odor of ammonia and feces was so overpowering that deputies had to step outside due to lightheadedness and burning watery eyes
• Cats were contained in wire crates stacked on top of each other and covered in blankets
• Litter boxes in the crates were overflowing with feces and had puddles of standing urine in and around the boxes
• Many of the cats showed symptoms of illness, including runny and watery eyes, wheezing, and coughing

Deputies observed a total of 50 dogs and approximately 202 cats, not counting the loose barn cats free to come and go as they please.

After leaving, a deputy’s equipment was so badly soiled by animal feces that she needed to change her clothing and sanitize her boots. She also experienced burning pain and drainage from her sinuses hours after leaving the property.

Marshall was advised law enforcement would be giving her two weeks to address the serious sanitation issues.

On Nov. 12, deputies returned to the property and made the following observations:

• Several dogs previously seen on the property were no longer present.
• The dogs observed during this visit appeared significantly emaciated, with their spines and hip bones clearly visible.
• Younger dogs were seen eating animal feces.
• The ground was heavily soiled, with few, if any, areas free from animal waste.
• Several deceased cats were discovered under a table. The bodies were in a state of partial decomposition, suggesting they had been dead for some time.
• The overall condition of the confined cats had worsened noticeably since the prior inspection. Many were underweight, with some so severely lacking in muscle mass that they were unstable when standing.
• The cats continued to suffer from upper respiratory infections, which had spread to their eyes. This led to severe complications, including fluid build-up, tissue swelling, and complete eye ruptures in some cases.

Marshall was again advised that an additional follow-up would be conducted in a few weeks.

On Dec. 6, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence. The following observations were made during the search, according to the criminal complaint:

• Water dishes for the cats were dry and crusted.
• Surfaces and flooring were coated with old and fresh animal feces and urine.
• Significantly fewer cats were present compared to earlier visits.
• Animal bones were discovered in a wood stove ash pile, which contained numerous small bone fragments, including recognizable leg and arm bones, vertebrae, a partial jawbone, and other remains.
• Additional bones were found inside the wood stove. Some bones were larger and appeared consistent with those of a large dog.
• The surviving dogs were in poor physical condition, living in environments still contaminated with large amounts of feces and urine, and had no access to clean water.
• A total of 30 cats were located, leaving approximately 170 cats unaccounted for.
• The ash pile near the wood stove measured approximately 4-5 feet in diameter and 2-3 feet deep. It contained a flat bone resembling a skull fragment, along with numerous fragile bone fragments.
• The remaining cats suffered from severe health issues, including broken legs, extreme underweight, and hair loss.
• Equines on the property were also in poor condition, with visible ribs, backbones, and hip bones, and lacked access to water.