MIAMI COUNTY, Kansas —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged animal cruelty at a rural Kansas location that is possibly linked to a much larger organization.
Last week, the Miami County Sheriff's office responded to the 25900 Block of Rockville Road for a welfare check on multiple dogs on the property, according to Sheriff Frank Kelly.
Deputies discovered several malnourished and deceased animals on the property. Deputies then obtained a search warrant and found ten Great Danes deceased. They also located nine other Great Danes and a Shepherd Mix in need of immediate medical attention. There was no one on the property at the time of this investigation, according to Kelly.
Necropsies are pending on the deceased dogs to determine the cause of death. The other animals are at a local veterinary or a sanctuary helping care for them. The dogs are not available to be visited or adopted until the investigation on the case is completed, according to Kelly.
Sheriff's office investigators believe this rural Kansas location is part of a larger operation that spans across the state and the United States. Detectives are working with investigators in other jurisdictions and believe about 100 other dogs are in a similar condition.
On Tuesday, police executed a search warrant in the 1400 block of SW Fillmore Street in Topeka in response to a reported animal abuse case. Officers found dozens of cats and dogs living in hazardous conditions with little to no access to food and clean water.
Humane Society of the United States transported the rescued animals to a confidential, safe location where they will continue to be examined by licensed veterinarians and receive the care they need.
Detectives have also identified several suspects in the Miami County case.