Scores Of Dead, Starved Cats Found At Animal Rescue

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — A Minnesota woman is accused of abusing animals after Dakota County and Animal Humane Society investigators say they found 64 dead cats and dozens of neglected animals at her animal rescue business.

Caycee Lynn Bregel, 25, was charged with one felony count and 12 misdemeanor counts of mistreatment of animals. According to police, Bregel was the owner and operator of "Minnesota Animal Rescue," a non-profit organization run out of a rental residence in Castle Rock Township.

On May 9, a Dakota County deputy responded to a report of a pig running loose near the residence. The deputy smelled "an overpowering odor of animal urine and feces" coming from inside the rental home, according to the criminal complaint.

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The owner was contacted and he later found several cats in the home that were "skin and bone," according to investigators. He also said he couldn't find food or water in the residence for the animals.

The owner told police he began renting the property to Bregel in February 2017.

According to the complaint, an investigation later found:

• Animals buried in shallow graves and the carcasses of dead cats scattered across the backyard
• Dead animals in freezers and refrigerators
• The walls and windows of the home were covered with animal feces and garbage

The Dakota County Public Health Department condemned the house.

Several living cats were subsequently removed by the Animal Humane Society. An examination revealed the cats were severely malnourished and suffering from multiple illnesses. One cat had to be euthanized due to the severity of its illnesses and poor physical condition.

Police say Bregel had an agreement with the Animal Humane Society to provide foster services for animals. Between July 2017 through February 2018, 144 cats and 1 dog had been transferred to Bregel, according to the complaint.

"This home, filled with cats and dogs, was in horrific condition when investigators gained entrance," Sheriff Tim Leslie said in a statement.

"Finding this many deceased, diseased and unnourished cats and dogs was extremely disturbing."

The date and time of Bregel's court appearance has not been set.

Images via Dakota County Sheriff's Office