Dozens of Cats Found Dead in MN Home

HEARTBREAKING NEWS

It's hard for me to share this kind of story with you, but I'm sharing it to help people understand what can happen if you get in over your head with having too many pets in your home, especially without the dedication to caring for them, the income it takes provide for them, and how rapidly things can get out of control.

ANIMAL MISTREATMENT

According to an article, a woman in Coon Rapids, 59-year-old Jacqueline Marie Broburg applied for a multiple-pet permit in 2022, stating that she owned five cats. She is now accused of mistreating animals in 2024.

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Before her applying for the permit, neighbors had complained about the frequent cat sightings around her home. The woman was also being evicted from her home, but was still living at the property after the eviction process and foreclosure.

HORROR INSIDE

The woman finally left the property on February 22nd, 2024. March 1st, a real estate company employee went to the foreclosed property to get it ready to sell. What he found inside was horrifying. 30 to 40 cats were inside the home without food or water, and a rescue group found and removed 78 more cats from the property a few days later.

CONTAMINATION

As you can imagine, the house was completely contaminated with feces and fur. The article said that the ammonia odor from the urine was so strong that officers had to wear masks to enter the property safely.

21 of the found cats were dead. One was found decayed inside a mattress. Many of the animals showed signs of neglect. Untreated dental disease, eye infections, and a little kitten they tried to save, which they named Lefty, who suffered a ruptured eye as well as dehydration. Even with all their efforts to save him, he eventually had to be euthanized. Think of all the suffering this baby had to go through before having to be put out of it's total misery.

Some of the cats were brought to the Animal Humane Society, according to the article.

CHARGES

Broberg is facing five charges that include:

1 felony count of animal cruelty resulting in death or great bodily harm
3 gross misdemeanor counts of animal torture
1 misdemeanor count for depriving animals of food, water, or shelter.

The maximum penalty could be two years in prison and a fine of up to $5000.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT ANIMAL ABUSE

If you suspect animal abuse or neglect in St. Cloud, Minnesota, you should first assess the situation. If the animal is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, report the issue to your local police department or sheriff's office, to Animal Control in St. Cloud, or to the Minnesota Federated Humane Societies (MFHS) online or by email. You can also contact the Animal Humane Society for reporting and investigation.