Dayna Kristine Bell, 62, is the owner and operator of Bells Kennels in Sciota Township. A Dakota County jury deliberated for about seven hours.
On Sept. 27, 2011, the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office received a report of cruelty and maltreatment of animals by Bell. A witness reported that Bell had drowned puppies and other dogs.
The complaint describes one witness arriving at work in 2011 and seeing that one dog had given birth to six puppies. Two of the puppies were already dead, and another two had severely injured legs. The witness said Bell put all four puppies in a bucket of water and put another weighted bucket on top of them.
The same worker also reported seeing Bell, after complaining about money issues, comment “This is a one-stop shop” before taking a number of dogs down to her swimming pool. The witness reported seeing Bell tie a rope around the dog’s neck. At the other end of the rope was a cinder block.
The witness also said a small Papillon dog bit Bell on the arm. The witness said Bell took the dog to the back yard and came back without it, saying “I broke its damn neck.”
When executing a search warrant on September 29, 2011, at the Bells Kennel property, investigators found 10 small breed adult dogs in individual plastic bags in a freezer chest. Officers believed that the dogs had been wet when placed in the freezer based upon the appearance of their fur. Other items of evidence were also recovered, including a bucket and a cinder block with a rope tied to it.
“We are pleased the jury held her accountable for these egregious actions,” said Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom.
Judge Tim Wermager ordered a pre-sentence investigation and set the sentencing date for Jan. 14. If given the maximum sentence, Bell could face up to 32 years in prison and/or an $80,000 fine.
(Southernminn.com - Nov 8, 2013)
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