On Thursday, July 11, 2019, Officers with The Mitchell Police Division executed search warrants on two separate residences in Mitchell located at 1401 S. Main Street Lot # 104 and 200 E. 15th Avenue #139 regarding an animal welfare investigation. Humane Officers with the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society were present and assisted with the execution of the search warrants. 20 cats, in various apparent degrees of sickness, were found inside the residence located at 1401 S. Main St. Lot # 104 and were seized. 1 cat, that appeared to be ill, was found at 200 E. 15th Avenue #139 and was seized. There was apparent cat feces and garbage throughout the residences. 20 of these cats were transported to The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society for evaluation, treatment, and boarding. One cat was transported to a Mitchell veterinarian for immediate treatment, as it appeared to be near death.
On Friday, July 12, 2019, 9 additional cats, in various apparent degrees of sickness, and 1 dead cat were recovered from 1401 S. Main St. Lot # 104. In total, 30 live cats and 1 deceased cat have been seized regarding this investigation.
It took several hours to remove the cats from these residences. It is believed that several other cats are hiding in the walls, and in other areas of the residence located at 1401 S. Main St. # 104. This is an ongoing animal rescue operation.
As a result of this investigation, 44-year-old Mitchell resident BRANDY LEE SMITH and her son, 19-year-old MICHAEL LEE-DAVID SMITH were each arrested for 10 counts of Cruelty to Animals, in violation of S.D.C.L. 40-1-2.4. BRANDY allegedly maintained, or resided at the residences where the cats were living, and was apparently aware of the condition of the residences. MICHAEL allegedly gave the cats food and water and was aware of the living conditions of his mother’s cats. Additional criminal charges regarding this incident are possible.
BRANDY allegedly maintained the Facebook site “Heart and Soul Kitty Sanctuary” where she apparently solicited money for the care of elderly, disabled and abused cats.
This investigation began after neighbors complained about several stray cats in the yard of 1401 S. Main St. #104 and the strong odor of urine and feces coming from the residence. The Davison County Emergency Management Office and the Mitchell Fire Division also assisted with this investigation. This is an ongoing investigation.
Cruelty to Animals is a Class 6 Felony punishable by 2 years imprisonment in the state penitentiary and/or a fine of $4,000 for each count.