Dozens of dogs and birds tortured by western Minnesota couple: Charges

RENVILLE, Minn. (FOX 9) - A couple reportedly in the business of selling animals now faces several charges stemming from the mistreatment and abuse of dozens of birds and dogs.

Renville couple animal abuse charges

What we know:

Shane Charles Loeffler, 62, and Roxanne Lee Loeffler, 59, of Renville, are facing several counts of charges of misdemeanor animal mistreatment and animal torture on a property they own together.

According to charges filed in Renville County District Court, on Nov. 15, 2025, authorities say they were tipped off by someone who said they had recently purchased a dog from the Loeffler’s that had been "very sick, including having blood in its stool and throwing up."

The same person also told investigators that their residence "had feces and urine all over, and the remaining dogs (approximately 30 to 40) did not appear in good condition," according to the charges.

Upon further investigation, vet records from the Olivia Pet Clinic showed that Roxanne Loeffler had taken about 23 litters to the vet in total, but recently stopped bringing her puppies in. When interviewed, Dr. Kopel stated that over the litters of puppies, she noticed increasing congenital issues, with Loeffler stating that she wanted to only pick up vaccines and administer them herself, rather than bring the puppies in.

Investigators also spoke with the Minnesota Animal Humane Society, which said it received reports in June 2025 stating that the Loefflers’ property dogs that were malnourished in a residence that "smelled worse than a chicken barn."

Dig deeper:

On Dec. 9, 2025, charges state that law enforcement and the Animal Humane Society executed a search warrant on the residence and seized 26 dogs and 15 birds. After an examination, authorities also seized seven of the dogs seized were pregnant.

Upon arrival, investigators reported an "immediate and overwhelming" smell of feces and urine coming from the residence. Once inside, they additionally found "feces and urine all over the floor, dried feces that had not been cleaned up, and some feces with mold on it," according to charges. Investigators also observed bird cages with food which appeared old, one without water, and one with water inside that was molded over.

When questioned, charges state that Roxanne Loeffler said she "usually cleans up the feces every morning," but authorities reported that not being consistent with their observations.

Neither of the Loefflers are licensed as commercial breeders, according to charges.

Following their seizure, forensic exams and evaluations were performed on all the animals.

In total, five dogs and two birds were found to be underweight, 19 of the dogs were diagnosed with severe dental disease, seven of the dogs were diagnosed with severe orthopedic diseases and five of the dogs were diagnosed with heart murmurs.

All 26 dogs required some form of medical treatment, and 19 of the dogs required significant dental surgery to remove infected and decaying teeth. One dog had to be euthanized due to its condition.

It was also reportedly "evident" that many of the dogs had chronic and painful medical conditions that had not been appropriately addressed, such as orthopedic disease, heart disease and parasites.