MINOT AFB — The Ward County Sheriff’s Department says it arrested two people on the Minot Air Force Base for animal cruelty.
The department says on May 26 it responded to a residence on the Minot Air Force Base to a report of animal neglect received from Minot Air Force Base Law Enforcement (MAFB LE).
The responding deputy, along with MAFB LE, discovered two deceased dogs inside the residence along with six others, several of which appeared malnourished. The condition of the residence was found to be in disarray, with garbage and dried animal urine and feces all around the home. The owners of the animals were identified and voluntarily surrendered the animals pending further investigation.
On June 3 after consultation with a licensed veterinarian on the health of the animals and cause of death regarding the two deceased dogs, the Ward County Sheriff’s Department obtained and served arrest warrants to both Jim Michael Velez Diaz, 21, and Katelynn Marie Mercier, 19. They are charged with five counts of Animal Cruelty (Class C felony) and were booked into the Ward County Detention Center.
