On October 17, 2025, officers from the Fridley Police Department were dispatched to the Extended Stay America Suites, located at 230 57th Ave NE, city of Fridley, county of Anoka, Minnesota, for a report of a neglected animal. Upon arrival, officers spoke to a staff member, L. S., who reported that employees were getting complaints from customers about a smell coming from the 2nd floor. L. S. Checked [APT REDACTED] and noticed a foul smell coming from that room. Officers made contact with the occupants of [APT REDACTED], Chase Aaron Merchant [DOB REDACTED], Defendant Merchant herein, and Kevin Andrew Kass [DOB REDACTED], Defendant Kass herein, who reported that their dog had cancer and they were taking it to the veterinarian the following Monday.
Officers entered [APT REDACTED] and found a dog laying in the bathroom shower. The officer reported that the bathroom smelled of decay and the dog had visible open wounds on its shoulder and hip area. The officer reported that he had to look close to see if it was still alive and noticed agonal breathing. The officers took possession of the dog and took it to an emergency veterinarian. The veterinarian later reported that the dog was severely emaciated and dehydrated and had multiple pressure sores on its skin.
The veterinarian further reported that they were unable to draw blood to verify whether the dog had cancer, due to its extreme dehydration, however an x-ray of the dog did not show any signs of cancer in the body. After a full work up of the dog, it was determined that due to the extreme dehydration and the emaciated state of the dog, the most humane option was to euthanize the dog.
