We are offering a $10,000 reward for information on any case listed on this page that results in a
FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY OR NEGLECT CONVICTION
$10K Cases
Companion Animal Control is committed to enforcing animal welfare laws and seeking justice for mistreated animals. We work closely with law enforcement and humane organizations to investigate and resolve these cases.
Therefore we have launched the “10K Cases” program! This page serves as a public record of unresolved Companion Animal Control cases involving animals found abandoned alive in concerning conditions or found already deceased. These cases are under investigation for potential cruelty, neglect, or abandonment. If you have any credible information that may help identify those responsible, please complete the reporting form linked below. At this time, 2024 & 2025 cases are posted on this page, in the coming days 2023 cases will be posted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are we releasing this information?
A: Because it doesn’t help any animal, just sitting in a case file. Sharing this information could potentially lead to the prosecution of the person(s) responsible for an animal's suffering. You might say—"I find these photos and information upsetting to look at”….well unfortunately so do we. However, looking at this information and the corresponding photos is entirely your choice and we need to warn you that some of these photos are quite graphic or disturbing to look at. We are choosing to share this information with the intention of seeking justice for animals within the jurisdictions we serve. If it appears some details are missing, such as if an animal was intact or neutered/spayed—that information is withheld at our discretion to ensure the integrity of an open investigation and we will not respond to questions about an open case.
Q: Why are you assuming these animals have been abandoned? They could be missing.
A: We're not assuming they are abandoned; we consider all possibilities when an animal is found and impounded under our authority. Animals on this page were either found under suspicious circumstances or after suffering what appears to be significant neglect or abuse. There is always the possibility that an animal has been lost for a long time, causing it to be underweight—but we have specific tactics within animal welfare to determine the cause of emaciation. Therefore the animals on this page are not cases of animals we believe to have been lost for a long time, resulting in their conditions.
Q: What makes for a credible lead to report?
A: A credible lead includes specific details such as witness accounts, video/photo evidence, known individuals associated with the case, license plate numbers, or location-specific information that can aid an investigation. A credible lead is not “I know this person is a bad person, they might have dogs or they had dogs in the past.”
Q: Does my information remain anonymous even though I’m providing it to you?
A: We accept anonymous tips and protect the identity of those who submit information. If you choose to remain anonymous, we will be unable to contact you with additional questions about the case. Also if you choose to remain anonymous you forfeit your opportunity to claim the $10,000 reward. If you provide your information and a case goes to court, your testimony may be a key factor in the case. So you may be subpoenaed to testify and therefore you would no longer be anonymous.
Q: How does the $10,000 reward work?
A: Companion Animal Control offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to a felony conviction in cases of animal cruelty in Minnesota or Wisconsin. The reward is issued once legal proceedings conclude and a conviction is secured. We receive no local, state or federal funding for this reward offering—we are funding this reward entirely out of our own pocket because we believe all animals who suffer, at the very least deserve justice.
Q: What happens after I submit a report?
A: Our team will review all submitted information and collaborate with law enforcement if necessary. Not all tips result in immediate action, but every report is investigated for potential leads. We will not contact you unless we have specific questions for you and we are unable to provide updates on cases as they are open investigations.
Q: I’d like to know more about animal welfare laws in Minnesota & Wisconsin, where can I find this information?
A: Animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment are punishable offenses under Minnesota Statute 343.21 and Wisconsin Statute 951. Below are brief summaries and links to official legal references: Minnesota Animal Welfare Laws Wisconsin Animal Welfare Laws
Q: I don’t believe the animal welfare laws in Minnesota or Wisconsin are strong enough, how do we change that?
A: To advocate for stronger animal welfare protections, contact your local legislators: Minnesota Legislature Advocacy Wisconsin State Legislature Advocacy
GRAPHIC PHOTO WARNING LINE
Below this line is a list of ongoing animal welfare investigations. The photos shown are actual case investigation photos, as such they are graphic and some might find them disturbing.
If you do not intend to view these photos, stop scrolling now.
If you recognize any of these animals, have information regarding their condition, or credibly suspect someone may be responsible for their mistreatment, please submit the form.