Jan. 17—HINES — Weeks after she was charged with felony animal mistreatment, the court has denied a Hines woman’s request that the Animal Humane Society return 11 of the animals seized from her property.
Debra Marshall and Douglas Erickson were arrested on Dec. 6, 2024, following a months-long probe into reports of severe neglect involving hundreds of animals at their rural property about 20 miles northeast of Bemidji.
According to the initial release from the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first responded to a residence in the 16700 block of Aksarben Lane NE on Oct. 21 after receiving a report of potential animal neglect.
“Deputies discovered a large number of cats and dogs that did not have adequate food and water, living in poorly ventilated environments, accumulation of animal feces and urine and animals that were in need of medical care,” the release said.
These concerns were discussed with Marshall and Erickson, and they were advised that a follow-up visit would be conducted to ensure the issues were addressed. During the follow-up visit, law enforcement noted that many of the animals seen on the property during a previous visit were unaccounted for.
“When executing the search warrant, it became evident that many of the animals were unaccounted for,” the release said. “An outdoor woodstove and ash pile were located nearby. Numerous bones and bone fragments were discovered in the ash, too numerous to count.”
As a result of the investigation, the sheriff’s office, veterinarians and Animal Humane Society personnel obtained a warrant to seize all cats, dogs and animal remains on the property under the authority of the Minnesota Animal Welfare Act.
A total of 64 animals were recovered, leaving more than 170 missing. Deputies were able to confirm that only four of the dogs had been surrendered to a rescue, the release continued.
Following her arrest, Marshall filed to have six dogs and five cats returned to her, requesting a hearing to determine whether or not the seizure of the animals was substantially justified by law. In a hearing held on Dec. 23, Marshall explained her reasoning for wanting the 11 pets returned to her care.
“None of our pets that I’m requesting to be returned are young pets; they’re older pets. They’ve been with us since they were babies,” she said during the hearing. “We would like for them to be able to finish living their lives with us.”
During the hearing, Marshall also claimed that a few of the pets were in the process of being certified as emotional support animals for either herself, her sister or Erickson. According to Marshall, the other animals listed in the request are needed for “helping with our safety and property when we are gone.”
Marshall also denied killing any animals in her care, despite the bones found near the outdoor woodstove at the property. She claimed that she rehomed or released the missing animals, noting that many of them were feral cats.
“I also did state… that I would be releasing my ferals and not keeping them in confinement,” she said during the hearing. “And so when they show up again and there’s numerous less cats, I did also say I was going to rehome animals and that I did have rescues lined up to help, which I did.”
Marshall’s request to have the 11 animals returned to her was denied, with the court finding that “there is insufficient evidence to find that the animals are physically fit or that Ms. Marshall can and will provide the care required by law for the animals,” and that “the seizure and impoundment of the animals was substantially justified by law.”
Marshall’s next court hearing relating to her felony animal mistreatment charges is set for March 13. Erickson’s next court hearing is set for Feb. 10.