34 dogs seized from Washington Co. property; found tied to trees in cold, fed pizza

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A 67-year-old man is facing multiple charges after officials believe he was operating a non-licensed dog breeding business in Washington County. Authorities say 34 dogs were seized from a Town of Wayne property in late January. 

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, officials received several complaints about dogs barking and the living conditions on the property.

The latest report was a complaint about dogs being tied to trees and not having proper shelter. Officials say while investigating that report, Russel Quaas was warned about having more than the allowable three dogs permitted by town ordinance.

According to officials, several days later deputies returned to the property and observed numerous dogs tied to trees and they appeared to have inadequate shelter, food, and water. Authorities say that particular day, the wind chills were well below zero.

A search warrant was obtained and executed at the property, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office learned the property did not have running water or electricity and most of the dogs resided outside. 

According to the sheriff's office, some of the dogs were found inside a camper trailer. In many cases, their short leashes did not allow them free movement within their shelter. A small amount of dog food was located on the property however it appeared as if the dogs were mainly provided leftover pizza from Little Caesars Pizza and frozen moldy animal carcasses.

Washington County Humane Society Operations Manager Jessie Wermager said she was there when the dogs were taken.

"There was just an overload of debris, dogs that were at the end of their chain, some of them were not able to freely get into their enclosures and then move about various amounts of pizza boxes just piled all over and it was all frozen and there was no dog food that we could see," said Wermager, "I've been here for almost 13 years and probably for a majority of my career, we've been getting various calls about this individual."

In the coming weeks, she said they'll be working to see if ownership of the dogs can be transferred to them so they can eventually get them good homes.

Wermager said it's thanks to people who reached out with their concerns that this happened.

"The more and more and more people can be active about reporting these things, the quicker those things can happen, and then they can actually have better charges if this has been an ongoing situation," said Wermager.

She said if you see animal abuse to report it to your local law enforcement.

The Washington County Humane Society worked alongside investigators to document and seize 34 dogs in total. All but one of the dogs that were seized were Jack Russell Terriers of varying ages.

Several dogs needed medical attention but all have survived. 

Quaas has been charged with the following: 

• Intentionally mistreat animals (six counts) 
• Intentionally fail/provide food for animal (two counts) 
• Intentionally imp. animal shelter space 
• Intentionally imp. outside animal shelter 

Quaas is due in court for an initial appearance on April 3.