Authorities remove seven kids, dozens of animals from northeast Nebraska home

PILGER, Neb, (KLKN) — A warrant led to the removal of more than 50 animals from a northeast Nebraska home on Wednesday.

The Stanton County Sheriff’s Office said it’s part of a weeks-long investigation in the town of Pilger.

The sheriff said his department issued a warrant on April 9 and the home was found to be unsafe for the seven children that lived there. The children, ages 3 months to 13-years-old, had already been placed into the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services in March.

Authorities said the home had animal feces and mold throughout.

On Wednesday, the sheriff’s office and Nebraska Humane Society removed 52 animals from the home. The sheriff’s office said that included 25 dogs of various breeds, 12 rabbits, 9 cats, 4 goats and two miniature ponies.

Courtesy: Stanton County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy: Stanton County Sheriff’s Office

All animals are now with the Nebraska Humane Society in Omaha.

“As unfortunate as this investigation is, we are very thankful for the efforts of investigating deputies Bosler and Kleensang over the past month and unbelievable assistance given by the Nebraska Humane Society in a gut-wrenching investigation,” said Stanton County sheriff Mike Unger in a press release on Wednesday.

Unger said the adult residents of the home were cited for animal neglect and additional criminal charges are pending.