Theresa Lee Ruhnke

On February 10, 2026, Carlton County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Miller, Humane agents, and a Veterinarian traveled to Teresa Lee Ruhnke [DOB REDACTED] hereinafter Defendant property to execute a search warrant related to animal welfare. Between January 26, 2026, and January 30, 2026, several reports were made regarding the poor conditions and living arrangements on Defendant’s property. When Sergeant Miller and Humane agents entered Defendant’s barn they located a sheep wheezing, coughing and could not stand up.

They also observed the sheep surrounded by manure. Investigator Oquist did a physical examination on the sheep and could tell that the sheep was in poor physical health and was severely malnourished. Dr. Schott advised Sergeant Miller that the sheep would have to be euthanized, and the sheep was euthanized that day. Sergeant Miller and Humane agents continued into the barn and located another deceased sheep inside one of the stalls. Sergeant Miller and Humane agents also observed a sheep in active labor attempting to give birth in a manure filled stall.

While inside the barn, Sergeant Miller observed the manured to be piled so high that when he stood on the pile he could touch the bottom of the trusses for the roof. Several horses were seized from the property. Dr. Schott opined that the horses exhibited overgrown and misshapen hooves and skin conditions were indicative of long-term lack of care.