A 53-year-old man convicted 10 years ago of animal neglect now faces three new charges of mistreating dogs, calves and pigs discovered by authorities Feb. 10 on a farm a few miles outside of Winona.
Robert Edward Moga, with a mailing address in Lewiston and a permanent address in Cadott, Wis., is summoned to appear April 12 before a Winona County District Court judge.
The criminal complaint filed Friday (March 25, 2005) charges him with animal cruelty and depriving the animals of adequate food and housing � gross misdemeanors � on Homer Ridge.
A Winona County sheriff deputy contacted Moga, who said he and his son sometimes stay at the farm under an agreement with a local farmer.
Moga accompanied the deputy during the inspection, and the complaint details what the deputy found Feb. 10 on the farm.
The deputy saw "numerous plywood structures" containing animals and a "thin and malnourished" adult mixed shepherd dog without food, water or bedding. It was chained and acting extremely violent. This dog did not survive, the Winona Area Humane Society said.
Inside a 4-by-4 foot plywood box, nailed shut, were three 1-year-old dogs, "severely deprived of food, water, bedding and fresh air," the complaint said.
In a pen were nine 6-month-old mixed breed puppies without fresh food, water or bedding, and "the depth of mud and manure was so high that the puppies were unable to crawl," the complaint said.
In three 8-by-8-by-4-foot structures were three 120-day-old dairy calves, six 75-pound feeder pigs and a 150-pound hog, according to the complaint. It goes on to state the structures were "extremely undersized" for the animals and had two feet of manure inside. The calves could not stand up without hitting the roof.
Moga was convicted 10 years ago in Buffalo County, Wis., of animal neglect, the complaint said.
He signed over the dogs to the Winona Area Humane Society.
Moga also is charged with intent to escape motor vehicle tax, because vehicles parked there were registered in Wisconsin, the complaint said.
Cheryl Armstrong, Humane Society president, said they found new homes for seven of the puppies, but still have two puppies and the three adult dogs at the Winona Veterinary Hospital in Goodview. Town & Country Veterinary Hospital tended to the calves, pigs and hog, Armstrong said.
People wishing to adopt the remaining dogs can call the Humane Society at (507) 452-3135.
Prosecutor's information:
Carmaine Sturino, Assistant County Attorney
Office of the Winona County Attorney
171 W. Third St.
Winona, MN 55987 Case UpdatesOn March 25, a formal complaint was filed, and Moga was charged with three counts of mistreatment of animals. The three gross misdemeanor charges enumerate Moga�s failure to provide nourishment to the animals, his failure to provide appropriate enclosure for the animals and also his cruelty to the animals. Moga is scheduled to appear in court April 12.
Trish Christian, a volunteer at the Winona Area Humane Society, reported that the dogs seized from Moga�s property are �doing really well.� Three female adults and two male puppies remain in the charge of volunteers, and reports about the seven dogs that have already been adopted have been positive.
According to Christian, the remaining adults are now ready for adoption, too. �In the beginning I was hesitant because they needed so much work, but they�ve really come around,� she said.
Christian said that the dogs are gaining weight and becoming acclimated to human companionship. �They�re very sweet dogs, just timid,� she observed.
Christian cited the example of Lucy, one of the adult females. �At first you had to chase her down and practically lasso her, but now she lets me approach her, and she goes on walks with me,� she said. �She�s really turned that corner.�
The next Adoption Day will be April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Winona Area Humane Society, located at 1112 East 6th Street. For more information on these dogs or other animals in need of homes, please call the Winona Area Humane Society at (507) 452-3135. | Source: Winona Post - March 30, 2005
Update posted on Mar 30, 2005 - 3:07PM |
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