Shocking Animal Cruelty Cases Revealed In North Dakota Spark Outrage
WARNING: The following contains distressing details about animal neglect and cruelty. Links have been included for further details—view at your own risk.
On February 14, 2025, MonDak Animal Rescue of Williston shared a horrifying discovery. A suitcase, abandoned in the snow, was found with a lifeless, emaciated dog inside—dumped like garbage. Was it already dead when stuffed inside, or did it die alone in the freezing cold?
This isn’t an isolated case. Animals are regularly left behind in apartments and houses, or abandoned in the country, left to fend for themselves. According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, North Dakota ranks worst in the nation for animal protection laws, with abusers rarely facing consequences.
Along Highway 83 near Wilton earlier this month, three cats were found trapped inside a tote, discarded without a thought. They were taken in by Central Dakota Humane Society in Mandan.
And in Stanley, The Stray Sanctuary recently assisted police in removing eight dogs from a home where their incarcerated owners left them in filth. One puppy was found dead in the trash. Two tested positive for Parvo, requiring a 14-day quarantine. It's only February, and this year alone, The Stray Sanctuary has found deceased animals in three other homes.
These heartbreaking stories surface every single day, and it’s disheartening to witness the constant cycle of cruelty and neglect. How many more animals have to suffer before North Dakota takes action?
In November 2024, animal advocacy groups in North Dakota called for more stringent actions in response to animal abuse cases, emphasizing the need for better enforcement and awareness.
If you are not familiar with House Bill 1538, it was introduced in January to fund spay and neuter programs. North Dakota representatives voted NO. This bill could help prevent overbreeding, reduce shelter overcrowding, and stop needless deaths.
We need action. Email or call ND representatives and demand stronger animal protection laws. Together, we can stop this.
Email ND Representatives:
mbeltz@ndlegis.gov, dorihauck@ndlegis.gov, kanderson@ndlegis.gov, gdobervich@ndlegis.gov, dhenderson@ndlegis.gov, dholle@ndlegis.gov, jahoverson@ndlegis.gov, dhkiefert@ndlegis.gov, denehring@ndlegis.gov, solson@ndlegis.gov, nrios@ndlegis.gov, cschreiberbeck@ndlegis.gov, btveit@ndlegis.gov, dvollmer@ndlegis.gov
LOOK: Counties with the highest unemployment in North Dakota
Gallery Credit: Stacker
More From Dakota Country 96.1
