Target: Josh Racki, Cascade County Attorney, Montana
Goal: Seek strong prosecution, maximum penalties, restitution, and a permanent ban on animal ownership for the individual who allegedly kept 37 dogs and other animals in cruel, unsanitary conditions.
Authorities seized 37 dogs and other animals from a home after investigators documented conditions described as unsanitary and inhumane. As reported, the owner has since forfeited ownership of all seized animals except one dog, while the case proceeds. Court records note an admission that the animals were kept in circumstances considered “cruel” under Montana law. These animals—allegedly confined amid filth and neglect—now need justice as much as they needed rescue.
According to filings and local reports, the animals have been under the care of a shelter since the August seizure, receiving evaluations and treatment after being removed from the property. Prosecutors are opposing the return of one remaining dog and have sought ongoing costs to ensure that animal’s care and safety. The alleged neglect here is not a paperwork error; it is a profound breakdown of basic duty that, if proven, caused suffering to dozens of sentient beings.
To protect animals and the community, meaningful accountability is essential. When large numbers of animals are found living in deplorable conditions, courts and prosecutors should pursue the strongest lawful consequences. This includes maximum sentencing on any proven charges, full restitution for public and rescue costs, mandated mental-health and ownership-ban provisions, and firm opposition to returning any animal to an environment allegedly linked to cruelty.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear County Attorney Racki,
We are writing regarding the case in which deputies seized 37 dogs and other animals from a residence after documenting conditions described as unsanitary, inhumane, and “cruel” under Montana law. As reported, the owner has forfeited all seized animals except one, while your office has opposed returning that remaining dog and secured ongoing care costs.
These facts—if proven—reflect severe neglect on a large scale. Animals allegedly confined amid filth and deprivation endure intense suffering. The community relies on your office to ensure that such cases receive the most serious treatment the law allows.
We respectfully urge you to pursue maximum penalties upon conviction, seek a permanent prohibition on animal ownership, require full restitution for veterinary and shelter costs, and request any appropriate mental-health evaluation and treatment conditions. We also ask that you maintain firm opposition to returning any animal to circumstances allegedly linked to cruelty. Thank you for continuing to prioritize the safety and welfare of vulnerable animals in Cascade County.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Jubair Bin Iqbal
