Woman Sentenced After 64 Dead Cats Found At Her Animal Rescue

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom announced that Caycee Lynn Bregel, 26, of Saint Paul, pleaded guilty last week to 13 counts of mistreatment of animals in connection with the death and care of numerous cats. Investigators say they found 64 dead cats and dozens of neglected animals at her animal rescue business.

Bregel was the owner and operator of "Minnesota Animal Rescue," a non-profit organization that had been renting a residence located in Castle Rock Township.

On May 9, 2018, 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.

The owner was contacted, and the deputy 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.

Last week, Bregel was sentenced to two years of probation, 90 days of electronic home monitoring, 200 hours of community work service, and restitution to the Humane Society and her former landlord.

The judge also ordered a psychological evaluation for Bregel. Bregel also cannot own, possess or care for any animals, according to a news release.

"The abuse and mistreatment of animals in the manner that occurred in this instance was unconscionable," Backstrom said in a statement.

Backstrom thanked Assistant County Attorney Tori Stewart, who prosecuted the case, as well as the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office and the Animal Humane Society for their investigation.