ANDOVER, Minn. — A 36-year-old St. Paul woman, Carley Ryan, has been charged with 22 counts of animal mistreatment following an investigation into her dog rescue, “For Furever,” in Andover. The charges were announced by the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office on Monday after the rescue was deemed uninhabitable late last year.
The investigation began after the discovery of eight deceased dogs, dumped in Cottage Grove on Oct. 18, 2023, prompted a closer look at Ryan’s rescue operation. An investigator, responding to complaints, visited the facility and noted a strong smell of feces from the exterior. The report highlighted the presence of six to eight dogs running loose inside the building, with a significant number of others confined to inadequate kennels.
The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the rescue the next day, encountering an overwhelming stench of feces and urine upon entry. Deputies found several dogs roaming freely in unsanitary conditions, with wet floors covered in excrement, as detailed in the criminal complaint.
Upon removal of all animals from the premises, an assessment of ammonia levels inside revealed readings ranging from 44.7 ppm to 48.1 ppm, far exceeding the 5 ppm level at which ammonia becomes detectable. Prolonged exposure to elevated ammonia levels can lead to serious health issues.
Investigators reported that a total of 22 dogs were rescued from the facility, housed in undersized cages without proper bedding or access to food and water. A subsequent medical examination at the Animal Humane Society indicated that none of the dogs were healthy enough for immediate adoption. Additionally, all of the animals exhibited signs of neglect, including fecal or urinary scald on their feet and staining in their coats.
Ryan reportedly confessed to investigators that she had obtained the puppies from an auction a few weeks earlier, revealing that they had contracted Parvo Virus, a highly contagious but treatable condition. She admitted that two puppies died on Oct. 2, and the eighth succumbed on Oct. 7 or 8. Shockingly, none of the puppies had received care from a licensed veterinarian.
Charging documents state that Ryan claimed the dogs died naturally and had not been euthanized before she disposed of their bodies in Cottage Grove. The investigation into this disturbing case remains ongoing.
