Brookings police seize 35 animals from residence, three people face felony charges
Some 35 animals were seized from a Brookings residence Friday.
Detective Adam Smith says police served a search warrant on the 900 block of Tumbleweed Drive after several unsuccessful attempts to check on the animals.
Numerous charges are pending after the 31 dogs and four cats were found living in hazardous conditions inside the residence.
Smith says the investigation began early this month when Brookings animal control received a request for a welfare check at the residence after a growing concern over the number of dogs living there along with reports of foul odors.
Animal Control and law enforcement made several attempts to contact the owners.
The animals were examined by a veterinarian before being transported to the Brookings Humane Society and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.
Fifty-seven-year-old Debra Schulte, twenty-six-year-old Jordan Schulte, and twenty-eight-year-old Brandon Schulte were arrested and each charged with 35 counts of cruelty to animals, a class 6 felony. They were booked into the Brookings County Jail.
September 18, 2023