16 October 2023
COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. The Cottage Grove Police Department is asking for tips in an animal cruelty case after the bodies of eight dogs were found in a remote part of the city near the Mississippi River.
The dogs, all of a smaller variety, were found Sunday afternoon, Oct. 15, 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, police said.
Investigators believe the dogs ranged from puppy age to adult and had been recently left. None of the dogs had been shot or visually abused or were malnourished, said Dan Schoen, community engagement officer for the Cottage Grove Police Department. None were wearing a collar, he said.
The Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley is assisting with the police investigation. Examiners will be conducting forensic reviews to determine causes of death, Schoen said.
Police believe the dogs’ owner no longer wanted or could care for the eight dogs.
“The dogs had been cared for,” Schoen said. “The Schnauzer is a long-haired breed that would need regular grooming. It was groomed. It was not matted.”
An off-duty police officer driving by the area on Sunday spotted the dogs and called the shift supervisor, Schoen said. The dogs were found near a portable toilet that is located between a large culvert and bridge on Grey Cloud Island, he said. It’s a popular spot for anglers to park, he said.
The case has been especially upsetting because the dogs’ deaths could have been avoided, Schoen said.
“They were healthy animals that we know could have helped find good homes for,” he said. “I wish I could snap my fingers, and we could go back and help this person just rehome these dogs. We’ve got those resources. We’d really like people to know that if you are struggling, and you need help with your animals, and you can’t care for them anymore, please call us. We’ve got people who can help take care of that. There are so many organizations that are willing to help that we can connect you with.”
Anyone with information about the case whether you know someone who is missing a dog that fits the description or have information about the crime or were in the area at the time and saw a vehicle stopped on the side of the road is asked to call Officer Tou Vue at 651-458-6052 or [email protected].
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