2 Fridley Men Charged After Dog Dies Following Severe Neglect
BY MN CRIME STAFF
Two men are facing felony animal cruelty charges after police say a dog was found in severe medical distress inside a Fridley hotel room.
The dog was taken to a vet for treatment, but was later euthanized due to its condition.
Kevin Andrew Kass, 35, and Chase Aaron Merchant, 33, were each charged with felony cruelty to animals resulting in death or great bodily harm and felony torture of a pet or companion animal stemming from an incident on Oct. 17, 2025.
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According to the criminal complaints, Fridley police were dispatched to the Extended Stay America Suites on 57th Avenue Northeast after hotel staff reported complaints from guests about a strong odor coming from a second-floor room. A staff member checked the room and reported a foul smell, prompting officers to make contact with the occupants.
Police say Kass and Merchant were staying in the room and told officers their dog had cancer and they planned to take it to a veterinarian the following Monday. When officers entered the room, they found the dog lying in the bathroom shower. The complaint states the bathroom smelled of decay and the dog had visible open wounds on its shoulder and hip. An officer reported having to look closely to determine whether the dog was still alive and observed agonal breathing.
Officers took custody of the dog and transported it to an emergency veterinarian. The veterinarian reported the dog was severely emaciated and dehydrated with multiple pressure sores. Due to the extreme dehydration, staff were unable to draw blood to confirm cancer, and x-rays showed no signs of cancer in the dog’s body. After a full evaluation, the veterinarian determined the dog’s condition was so severe that euthanasia was the most humane option.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to two years in prison on each felony count. Both men were charged by summons ordering them to appear in court early next month.
