Rochester Police Found Dog Severely Malnourished; Owner Sentenced
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man has been sentenced to three days in jail in an animal mistreatment case.
Guilty Plea Ends Rochester Dog Neglect Investigation
Twenty-six-year-old Frederick Anthony Douglas was given the jail sentence and was placed on probation for one year after he entered a guilty plea today to a misdemeanor count of overwork or mistreatment of an animal. A gross misdemeanor count of animal mistreatment was dismissed through a plea agreement.
Police Found Dog Severely Malnourished
According to the charges, which were filed in Olmsted County court last July, Rochester police responded to a report of a loose animal in southeast Rochester in May 2025 and found a dog barely able to stand, nearly falling over, and swaying. The court document says the officer observed that the dog appeared to be severely malnourished, with its ribs and multiple bones visible.
READ MORE: Charges: Rochester Man Accused of Starving, Abandoning Dog
An eyewitness told the officer that she came upon the dog stumbling in the grass. Another witness identified Douglas as the owner.
Animal Mistreatment Charge Results in Jail Sentence
When contacted by police, the criminal complaint says Douglas confirmed that he was the owner and stated he had planned to euthanize the dog. Instead, Douglas told police he released the dog but could not remember the exact location.
Veterinarian Documented Signs of Severe Neglect
The dog was taken to a veterinarian for care, and the court document says the veterinarian noted it was severely underweight and had difficulty swallowing food and water, indicating the dog had not been properly fed or given water. The charges allege that, when contacted by the veterinarian, Douglas admitted to not feeding or watering the dog.
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