Shelly Woman Charged After 51 Beagles Taken From Home

MINNESOTA -- The Shelly, Minnesota woman who had more than 50 beagles removed from her home earlier this month is facing charges.

Today, Norman County Attorney James Brue formally charged Shirley Bensen of Shelly with four misdemeanor counts.

According to Brue, Bensen is facing one count of maltreatment, two counts of not providing clean water or proper ventilation for animals and one count of not getting proper veterinary care.

After a year of complaints by neighbors about the noise and smell, Bensen had 51 beagles seized from her home on March 10th.

The dogs were taken to animal shelters in Hawley and Crookston.

The Polk County Humane Society tells us the 23 beagles at their facility have all been adopted.

If convicted, Bensen faces up to 90 days in jail and up to a one thousand dollar fine for the four charges.

Her court date has not been set.

(WDAZ - Mar 30, 2015)