Pine City woman faces two felony-level counts of animal cruelty

A Pine City woman is facing two felony-level counts of animal cruelty after an animal welfare check was conducted at her Pioneer Road property on May 22.

According to the criminal complaint, a Pine County Sheriff's Office deputy responded to the residence of Kathleen Doenz after a reporting party stated she had dogs and chickens that were not properly cared for.

An auctioneer confirmed that Doenz spent almost $7,300 at a Mora auction on May 3, purchasing approximately 85 fancy pigeons, 75 chickens, 11 guinea hens, and three rabbits.

In April, law enforcement seized several animals from her properties, including 53 pigeons, 51 chicks, and multiple dogs, ponies, horses, and other fowl. The complaint states that those animals are subject to a separate criminal matter.

Doenz told an investigator on June 3 that she had purchased animals since the prior seizure.

She admitted to spending approximately $7,000 on pigeons, which she said were still in their auction cages because she believed they "do not need much room."

Pine County investigators executed search warrants at two properties where Doenz has been known to keep animals on June 6.

Multiple deceased animals were located in a barn, and several cages lacked food and water. A veterinarian from the Animal Humane Society reported that the pigeons and chickens had clearly been neglected and were in poor physical condition.

Authorities recovered 108 pigeon-like birds, 27 chickens, and six puppies from the property.

Doenz was also charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty in a 2013 case, and pleaded guilty to a felony charge of animal torture.

She will appear in court on June 23.