Mora woman faces 16 counts of mistreating animals after multiple deceased dogs removed from home facility

A Mora woman is facing 16 counts of overworking or mistreating animals — torture, stemming from treatment and condition of dogs at a training and boarding facility operated out of her Legend Street residence.

The charges for 30-year-old Moriah Krondak include 10 felony-level counts, and six gross misdemeanor counts.

According to the criminal complaint, on March 12, Kanabec County Sheriff's Office deputies received a call from University of Minnesota veterinarians regarding a deceased dog brought in for a necropsy that appeared to have died under suspicious circumstances.

The dog, a male pitbull, had been boarded at Krondak's home, who owned and operated a facility called "Done Right Dogs."

Initial reports from the veterinarians noted concerns that two dogs boarded there exhibited signs of malnourishment. The veterinarians confirmed there were no natural causes detected in the necropsy that would have caused the pitbull's death.

The owners of the two pitbulls said they dropped the dogs off at Krondak's home on Feb. 28, when they left for vacation. They were supposed to pick the dogs up on March 10, but were allegedly met with excuses from Krondak about why they weren't able to.

Krondak informed the owners that the male pitbull died on March 12.

Deputies made contact with Krondak on March 13, and she denied any knowledge of the cause of the pitbull's death. The deputies were able to view multiple dogs currently boarding at the residence, who appeared to be in good condition.

Kanabec County and Humane Society investigators planned an unannounced visit to the property of April 8, but the sheriff's office received a call from an animal rescue looking to do a welfare check on a dog that had been at Done Right Dogs for training on April 7.

Deputies asked Krondak to see the home, facilities, and animals, and noticed a strong odor of urine and dog feces. None of the dogs observed had access to food or water.

When asked about the dog from the animal rescue, Krondak allegedly paused and appeared nervous and concerned. Deputies were escorted into the garage, where they noticed multiple deceased, decaying dogs inside of kennels.

Krondak was placed on a mental health hold and transported to Welia Hospital.

A search warrant was issued, and investigators removed the nine deceased dogs from the home, as well as nine living dogs.

Four other dogs that reportedly belonged to Krondak were located in the home, and were seized by the Humane Society.

Humane Society veterinarians noted that the deceased dogs that were still able to be evaluated for body condition scoring had unacceptable body conditions, with a lack of appropriate nutrition as the most likely cause of death.

A statement of findings from the veterinarian states: "Not only does it appear that these dogs died from lack of food and/or water, but they likely suffered while doing so. Starvation and dehydration are both incredibly painful. Considering the body condition, these dogs likely suffered for at least weeks and likely months before dying."

It continues: "Simply providing basic food, water, and husbandry would have avoided unnecessary and unjustifiable pain and suffering."

Kanabec County Sheriff's Office investigators also learned that Krondak tested positive for methamphetamine while in the hospital.

The complaint states that concerns were raised that she did not appear remorseful for what happened to the animals in her care, and she refused to speak with investigators.