Cottage Grove police are investigating a case of animal cruelty after an officer found the dead bodies of eight dogs early Sunday afternoon.
The officer found the dogs in a tree line near Grey Cloud Island. Police don't believe the dogs, ranging in age from puppies to adults, had been there long before they were discovered. All were small breeds according to police.
Community Engagement Officer Dan Schoen says despite it being a rural area, there likely would have been people around at the time the dogs left there.
"However, it is well-traveled enough and by noon on Sunday, there would have been several cars that had gone through the area," says Schoen. "The area down there is used a lot recreationally. A lot of people come down there and just do shoreline fishing on both ends of this road. And park up there, drive through to get from one spot to the next."
Schoen said the dogs didn't look malnourished, or mistreated, adding that it may have been the case of a dog owner not feeling like they could care for the dogs any longer.
"If that wasn't the case and it was unfortunately dogs that had died naturally, we need to know that too so that we can ease society's fears," Schoen tells WCCO. "You know, our community is upset and bothered by it, and we want to make sure we have all the accurate information we actually can get."
The Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley is assisting police with the investigation.
"Much like a human being, they can look at an animal and give us a time of death and a cause of death, which might give us an indication of how much further should we pursue this investigation," explained Schoen. "And if it was an intentional cause of death, that'd make for a different investigation than if they said, 'well, this dog died naturally of some cause.'"
Schoen adds that it's important for pet owners to know there are resources available if they're feeling like they can no longer care for their pets.
"We just really want people to know that if you are struggling to take care of pets, that there are groups that are willing to help you take care of them, or re-home them, so that they live out their lives in a good and peaceful way."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Tou Vue at 651-458-6052 or by emailing tvue@cottagegrovemn.gov.