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On February 10, two deputies from the Winona County Sheriff's Department were dispatched to a farm in the Homer Ridge area to investigate a report of animal neglect/cruelty.
The deputies found thirteen dogs, three calves and seven pigs on the property. The dogs, shepherd mixes, ranging in age from puppy to adult, were confined to small wooden crates that were filled with fecal matter. The dogs were malnourished, covered in parasites and did not have access to adequate food or water supplies.
The calves and pigs were also kept in structures that were undersized and filled with fecal matter and mud.
The owner of the animals, Robert Edward Moga, 53, accompanied the deputies on their inspection of the property and reported that he rents the property from a local farmer.
Moga signed over custody of the dogs to the Winona Area Humane Society and agreed to put the calves up for auction so that he would have enough room to continue housing the pigs.
Over a month went by and no charges were filed in the case. Letters to the editor demonstrated the feelings of local residents outraged by what was deemed a lack of diligence in the matter.
On March 23, Daniel Paden, a cruelty caseworker for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), wrote a letter to Assistant County Attorney Carmaine Sturino.
Paden, who described PETA as "the world's largest animal rights organization, with more than 800,000 members and supporters dedicated to animal protection," asked that Sturino promptly file appropriate charges.
Because repeat crimes are common among animal abusers, Paden suggested all animals in Moga's possession should be seized by authorities and he should be barred for life from owning animals.
On 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.
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