Eights dogs found in Cottage Grove died outside city, officials say

Eight dogs found along the side of a road Sunday in a rural part of Cottage Grove are believed to have been brought into the city for disposal after having died from an illness elsewhere, police said Wednesday.

The dogs, all of a smaller variety, likely all died around the same time, said Dan Schoen, community-engagement officer for the Cottage Grove Police Department.

The bodies of the dogs were found Sunday afternoon in the tree line along Grey Cloud Island Drive near Grey Cloud Island Trail. The dogs included a Schnauzer and other similar-sized white dogs, which could be a terrier breed, Schoen said.

Police received a tip from someone with knowledge of the dogs’ deaths that led to officers executing a search warrant Tuesday on the house of an 38-year-old man in Cottage Grove. The man admitted to dumping the dogs, but he had not been arrested or charged with any crime as of Wednesday afternoon, Schoen said.

“We don’t believe that he had anything to do with harming or killing the dogs,” Schoen said. “He disposed of the dogs after they were brought to Cottage Grove deceased. He really kind of panicked and didn’t know what to do with them. They came from another place through a group that someone else who lives in the household helps with.

“The investigation is ongoing as to who was in charge of taking care of the dogs at the time of their deaths and exactly where they were,” he said.

Schoen said the case generated so much community and media attention this week that the department felt compelled to release information about the case before the investigation is complete.

“We don’t normally do this, but it’s important to note that we have discovered the person who did it,” Schoen said. “We are confident that he did not partake in harming the dogs and that they were dead before they got to Cottage Grove.”

The Cottage Grove Police Department will continue to work with the Animal Humane Society to determine the cause of the dogs’ deaths; society officials have been integral to the success of the investigation, police said. The department also will be working with another jurisdiction on the case; the name of the jurisdiction was not disclosed.

“We recognize there are individuals who love animals and become overwhelmed trying to help too many at once,” according to a release from the police department. “If you or someone you know is having difficulties caring for pets, please contact groups like the Animal Humane Society to help you rehome them.”

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