Debra Marshall & Douglas Erickson - Photo courtesy of Beltrami County Sheriff's Office
Two people have been arrested after investigators found animal bones “too numerous to count” on their property.
Beltrami County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 65-year-old Debra Marshall and 49-year-old Douglas Erickson after investigating a tip about serious animal abuse and neglect at their home in Hines, Minnesota, about 20 miles northeast of Bemidji.
Law enforcement says they initially found around 250 cats and dogs living in what they described as “filthy” living conditions on October 21. They returned on October 29 for a welfare check and claim they found a large pile of ash and bones, and nearly 170 of those animals missing. There were other cats who were decomposing on site, and what investigators described as an “overpowering” smell of ammonia
Around 80 animals were rescued, with many in critical condition at local animal shelters.
Marshall and Erickson face 10 felony counts of animal mistreatment, and were released without bail. Their next court appearance is December 30.
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