The Animal Humane Society removed 41 animals from a Renville County property this week, shelter officials said, describing the scene as unsanitary and unsafe for the animals found there.

Responders recovered dogs, puppies and 15 birds from the home, and officials reported the birds had no food or water at the time of the seizure. The property was described by shelter staff as covered in feces and urine, and many of the animals are receiving medical treatment and behavioral care before they can be made available for adoption.

Liv Hagen, director of animal welfare at the Animal Humane Society, said the presence of so many birds surprised the response team. “We didn’t know there were birds on scene,” Hagen said, adding that the discovery required unplanned adjustments during the rescue operation. “Our goal is always to get animals into homes up to the adoption floor, available as quickly and safely as possible; sometimes it requires some intensive care both on the medical and behavioral side.”

Shelter staff said the intake process included initial medical assessments, transport and placement in quarantine or treatment areas as needed. A small number of dogs have already been cleared to come up to the adoption floor, while the majority remain under care as veterinarians and behavior staff address health issues and fear-based responses to humans. Shelter officials noted that animals rescued from neglectful environments commonly display nervousness or undersocialization and may need time and rehabilitation before adoption.

Large-scale rescues like this one typically require substantial follow-up work, Hagen said. Animals removed from neglected conditions often need veterinary treatments for infections or chronic issues, thorough cleaning, and behavior rehabilitation. National and local animal-welfare organizations have published guidance noting how quickly resource needs can rise during a single response; shelter staff and volunteers must coordinate medical appointments, foster placements and long-term behavioral support.

Individuals can support shelters by volunteering for tasks such as walking pets and assisting with cleaning or events; donating money and supplies like food, toys and blankets; or organizing fundraisers and sharing shelter wish lists on social media to help cover medical and care costs.

Officials said Animal Humane Society personnel handled the removals and the initial intake and transport of the animals. A video from KARE 11 shows aspects of the operation and the conditions at the home; shelter staff used that footage to document the scene and support care decisions as animals were moved into custody.

The seizure comes amid broader national demand on shelters: approximately 5.8 million cats and dogs enter U.S. animal shelters and rescue groups annually, according to 2024 data from Shelter Animals Count, the most comprehensive national database. That total includes about 2.9 million dogs and 2.9 million cats, underscoring the scale at which rescues and shelters operate nationwide.

For now, Hagen said staff will continue caring for the animals until they are medically and behaviorally ready for adoption. “As long as there are animals in need, we will help,” she said.

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