Chippewa Falls, WI – A Chippewa Falls woman is facing 35 charges related to animal mistreatment after authorities discovered 14 dogs living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions inside her apartment earlier this month, officials said.
Dogs Seized After Anonymous Tip
The Chippewa Falls Police Department reported that officers received an anonymous tip on Dec. 1 alleging animal neglect and mistreatment at a local residence. Following the tip, a search warrant was obtained and executed, leading to the seizure of 14 dogs of mixed breeds from a small apartment.
Authorities said the dogs were being kept in improperly ventilated spaces, with multiple dogs confined to crates and kennels too small for them to move or lie down comfortably. Some of the kennels held two dogs, preventing either from fully stretching or turning around.
Unsanitary and Neglectful Conditions
Police described the conditions inside the apartment as disturbing, noting that some dogs appeared emaciated, lacked access to food and water, and were forced to live among feces on the bedroom floor. Officers said the odor in the room was nearly unbearable.
A veterinary technician and an assistant evaluated each dog at the scene. All 14 dogs were removed safely and received immediate care through the Chippewa County Humane Society, with several later transferred to the Eau Claire County Humane Association for ongoing treatment.
Charges and Background
Hannah E. Swanson, from Chippewa Falls, was arrested and faces 35 counts including:
- Failing to Provide Proper Shelter to Animals
- Failing to Provide Proper Indoor Shelter Ventilation
- Mistreating Animals
Officials noted that Swanson has a prior record of similar charges from an earlier incident in Eau Claire County. Authorities are also investigating claims related to her former animal rescue, ‘Davey’s Cat Pit Stop.’
Court Bond Conditions
Police requested that Swanson be prohibited from rescuing or owning any new animals as part of her bond, a request that was reportedly granted by the court.
Future of the Dogs
While the 14 dogs seized are not currently available for adoption, authorities said they should be ready for adoption in the future once they have received proper care and rehabilitation.
Do you support stricter oversight for animal rescues and shelters? Have you witnessed or reported cases of animal mistreatment in your area? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
