On February 23, 2026, law enforcement from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a report of child maltreatment from Clay County Social Services. The report indicated that on October 24, 2025, December 26, 2025, and on February 14, 2026, a dog belonging to Kasey Swenson ([DOB REDACTED]) and Bryan Swenson ([DOB REDACTED]), had bit their child, [NAME REDACTED], and all three occasions it required stitches. These incidents occurred at their home on 28th Avenue North in Hawley, Clay County, Minnesota.
On February 26, 2026, Detective Tougas and B. B., a Clay County Child [NAME REDACTED], met with P. S. At school. Detective Tougas observed visible injuries on the right hand of P. S. When asked about the family’s dog, P. S. Indicated that they have a Great Dane named Maverick whom the family got in May of 2025. P. S. Indicated that she does not startle the dog or do anything to provoke the dog, it just attacks and bites her. On October 24, 2025, P. S. Indicated that one of their indoor cats had gotten injured, so she went over to help the cat, but Maverick came at her and bit her right hand/wrist.
P. S. Indicated that she received stitches to close the wounds. On December 26, 2025, P. S. Was in the kitchen making food when Maverick attacked her and bit her right hand. Again, this attack caused enough injury where medical treatment was needed, and P. S. Needed stiches to close the wounds. On February 14, 2026, P. S. Came down the stairs to walk through the living room and Maverick attacked her and bit her right hand. For the third time, this caused enough injury where medical treatment was needed and P. S. Received stitches to close the wounds.
P. S. Described that when Maverick attacks her he will not let go and that her mother, Kasey must shove her hand in his mouth to get him to release. P. S. Told Detective Tougas that she is terrified of the dog and cannot continue on the dance team at school because of her injuries from the dog. P. S. Further reported that Maverick sleeps in front of Kasey and Bryan’s bedroom door. If P. S. Needs to use the bathroom at night, she throws a treat to get Maverick to move so she is able to get to the bathroom.
P. S. Said she is not allowed to have friends over because her parents are concern about Maverick biting someone. On February 27, 2026, Detective Tougas went to the home of Kasey and Bryan to speak with Kasey and M. S. Detective Tougas noted Maverick was located in the kitchen and there was a gate up; however, Maverick towered over the gate and could easily get over the gate. Maverick did not have muzzle on. When asked about a muzzle, Kasey indicated that she could not get the muzzle on by herself and since Bryan is not home all the time it is not feasible for the muzzle to be on Maverick all of the time.
M. S., 15 year old child, told Detective Tougas that Maverick had bit her on her hand twice and her hip once. Detective Tougas took photographs of the scars. None of M. S.’s injuries required stitches. M. S. Further informed Detective Tougas that Maverick kills a lot of birds and harms outdoor cats when he is outside. Detective Tougas explained the dangerous dog and child endangerment statutes to Kasey and asked her why she is putting the dog above her child’s health and safety. Kasey indicated she had an emotional connection to the dog.
