Brooklyn Park Woman Charged with Animal Neglect After Nearly 30 Cats, Including Three Deceased, Recovered from Home
Ann Rickson, a 68-year-old woman from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, has been charged with six counts of animal neglect after authorities recovered nearly 30 cats, including three deceased, from her home. The charges stem from a welfare check on July 7, initiated after neighbors complained about pet waste, animals, and overgrown grass. During an inspection, a city employee noted a strong odor and observed approximately 10 cats in the entryway. On July 22, officers executed a search warrant, requiring respirators due to the overwhelming smell of urine, feces, and mold. Court documents describe the home as "completely destroyed" inside, with surfaces covered in cat waste. The home was condemned as unsanitary for human living. In addition to the deceased cats, three others had to have their eyes removed due to poor health, and a Rottweiler named Dewey was also rescued. Investigations into questionable living conditions at Rickson's home, linked to cat hoarding, date back to 2001. 
