Investigators Friday called a Sheboygan County animal abuse investigation one of the most extreme they've seen, after they searched an unlicensed kennel last week.
The Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office and Humane Society held a joint press conference Friday to give more information after 37 dogs were taken from Kinship Companion Kennel in the Town of WIlson on June 30th. Deputies said they found more than 30 dead dogs in a freezer.
"Last week the Sheboygan County Sheriff's department received credible information about animal neglect and as a result a search warrant was obtained late last week," Captain Cory Roeseler said.
The sheriff's department said Friday that no charges have been filed and no one arrested. Sheriff's deputies said there were multiple complaints filed against Kinship Companion Kennel starting in 2015. A listed phone number for the kennel is disconnected.
Deputies said the kennel lost a permit in 2015 from the Town of Wilson. They also lost their state license, loosing the ability to breed and sell dogs.
"Some of issues with the dogs were low body scores, the environment, and several have health issues being addressed by the humane society," said Roeseler.
Sheboygan County Humane Society Executive Director Lisa Helm said the 37 living dogs, which are Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs, were originally brought to their center and many had to be treated for illness. The dogs range from 8 months to 7 years old.
"When they first arrived most of them didn't know what a leash was and wouldn't walk and we had to carry them into our facility," said Helm.
A week later some have improved. About a dozen were then brought to the Wisconsin Humane Society.
No one is in custody and no charges were filed, but the sheriff's office plans to refer charges next week. They are still unsure how many people will be charged.
The specific charges could include mistreatment of animals and abandoning animals.
"There is no specific time frame yet but we'll act as fast as we can given the nature of the case," said District Attorney Joel Urmanski.
The public cannot view the dogs and they are not available for adoption at this time, because the dogs were seized and are not the property of the Sheboygan County Humane Society,
If they eventually do go up for adoption, it could be months before the dogs are ready to be in homes.
"They will have to learn how to be pets again," said Leah Helms, Executive Director of the Sheboygan County Humane Society.
The Humane Society is in need of toys, treats and monetary donations for these dogs. If you're interested in donating, visit their website here.
