Charge and Prosecute Bregel to the Fullest Extent of the Law For Animal Cruelty

Dear Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom and Prosecutor Tori Stewart:

Minnesota - On May 9, 2018, a State Humane Agent and law enforcement entered the home rented by Caycee Bregel, a person who started an animal rescue called Minnesota Animal Rescue. What they saw can only be described as horrific. From outside the house, they smelled an overpowering odor of animal urine and feces. The inside of the home's floors, walls and windows were covered in animal excrement. On May 10, law enforcement wore protective equipment, executed the search warrant and went into the home. The home contained 64 deceased cats, 43 living cats, 5 live dogs, 1 guinea pig, and a pig. Carcasses of deceased cats were found in the freezer and in various states of decomposition in the garage. This animal count did not include the many decayed bodies buried in shallow graves on the property (the property was subsequently condemned and not habitable by humans). Documents state that of the bodies recovered only 3 were eligible for necropsy. "The cause of death was unable to be determined after postmortem examination. However, the most striking finding with all 3 cats was the complete absence of contents in their stomachs and small intestine, and minimal fecal material." It was "opined that it would take approximately one week for a cat's intestinal track to completely become void of food."

It's very clear by not only the outcome of these necropsies but the condition of the home and the other animals that these cats suffered and starved to death. Many of these animals went without proper medical care, were carrying disease, and ultimately spread their contagious diseases to the other animals in the home.

Bregel was only charged with 1 felony and 12 misdemeanor animal cruelty/neglect counts. This is extremely inadequate. We as a community are outraged by the lack of charges being prosecuted in this case. This was not a person who had good intentions and was unable to provide appropriate care for these animals. Bregel was provided with countless donations of animal food and care supplies plus thousands of dollars in donations to help the cats. Bregel admits to vacating the home and leaving the animals behind which shows she was fully aware she was leaving the animals to die a slow death. The pain, fear and suffering these animals endured in Bregel's care cannot be justified.

Minnesotans and people all over the country ask:
1. that Bregel be charged with a felony count for each of the deceased cats recovered from her property and for the ones that did not survive after the seizure; and
2. that gross misdemeanor charges be filed for the cats who were knowingly put in the home to live with cats with infectious diseases and have now contracted a life-threatening disease.

Citizens urge that Bregel be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law under the existing charges and in the hopes that additional charges are brought. Letting her walk away with 1 felony count (and 12 misdemeanors) is a slap on the wrist for her and a slap in the face for all people who truly care about animal welfare. Bregel should not be allowed to own any animals in the future or ever be allowed to work with animals because her past behavior has proven she has no concern for the life of an animal.
Without charging animal cruelty crimes appropriately, animal abusers will continue to walk away with inadequate punishments. With broken hearts we ask that these meaningless and completely avoidable deaths and suffering be taken seriously.
Article:

https://www.twincities.com/2018/08/29/st-paul-woman-charged-with-mistreating-animals-after-dead-cats-found-in-garage-freezers/