Keno was not just a dog to us; he was a cherished member of our family. Our hearts are broken as we mourn his tragic and senseless loss after our neighbor shot him. This unimaginable act of violence has left us devastated, and we are determined to seek justice for Keno and ensure that such an atrocity does not happen again.

Keno's presence brought joy, comfort, and unconditional love into our lives. Every wag of his tail and every joyful kiss reminded us of the purity and kindness that animals bring into this world. Yet, all of this was taken away abruptly, leaving a void that words cannot describe.

The laws in our area must be strengthened to protect our pets from such acts of violence. Currently, penalties for animal cruelty are not sufficient to deter individuals from committing these heinous acts. According to the Animal Humane Society (AHS) website, over 5,700 animals in Minnesota fall victim to violence each year, and this number is increasing. We need stricter penalties and more robust enforcement to prevent animal cruelty.

We call upon local authorities and lawmakers to take action immediately. Stricter laws and severe punishments must be implemented to ensure the safety and protection of our beloved pets. Let our loss not be in vain, and let Keno's memory be a catalyst for change.

We urge you to sign this petition to demand justice for Keno, to see our neighbor be held accountable and to advocate for the stronger protection of all pets. Stand with us as we seek to protect those who cannot speak for themselves. Together, we can bring about the change that is desperately needed.

Keno's Story

We found Keno through a dog rescue group I belong to on facebook.  His was about to be scheduled for euthanization, at a shelter in Los Angels California.  I contacted the recue and worked with them to adopt Keno and keep him from death.  I paid a transport company to bring him to a boarding facility and paid the boarding facility until we could fly out to pick him up.  We then rented a car and brought him home on March 3rd 2025.  We loved him the best we could for as long as we could, until...

BCSO  CASE # 25013272  -  The Incident

The morning of December 22nd I walked our dog Keno leashed out to his dog run and Tito (our other dog) followed.  When they finished I leashed Keno and proceeded to my other chores.  I filled a bucket of water for the chickens and walked him over to the kennel near our chickens.  I set the water bucket down, brought both dogs into the kennel and unleashed Keno.  They ran the opposite direction so I opened the door to grab the bucket of water.  As I was bringing the bucket though the door, both dogs charged past me out the door.  I saw them run into the woods.  I called for them to come, but only Tito returned.  

I kept calling for Keno and drove to the end of the road calling for him while shaking a bag of dog treats.  I drove back and forth on the road calling for him for at least 10 minutes before returning home.  I went into the house to grab my phone, but it did not charge overnight, so I plugged it in.  My neighbor pulled up shortly thereafter.  I walked outside with a leash thinking he brought my dog in his truck.  He asked, “Do you have a husky?”  I said I do.  He said, “He was near my rabbits, next time he’s dead.”  Got in his truck and drove away.  I was confused with how short he was so I went back in the house grabbed the keys and drove to his house.

As I got out of the vehicle, I took a few steps around looking for my neighbors and my dog.  Then I saw my neighbor coming out of the garage carrying his gun at his side.  I asked him if my dog was still here.  He said, “Yeah.”  Walking past me, I followed him into another building near his driveway. 

He opened the door, we walked in and saw my dog hiding and cowering under a rabbit cage as far as he could get against the back right corner of his building.  He was panting and looked scared.  My neighbor set his gun down, looked around and started screaming, “You son of a bitch, you killed my rabbits.”  

He continues to yell, scream and swear at me telling me to leave, saying he’s done, he’s gone.  I say, I am so sorry.  I will pay for the damages.  He says, “I don’t want your fucking apology,  it’s too late.  He’s done.”  I tell him it was an accident, he ran through the door on me.  He says I don’t care.  He continues to scream at me to leave as his body is flinching and shaking.  I didn’t know what to do.  I said can I please have my dog.  He says no and continues to say he’s done, leave, leave.  I watched as he was turning his body back and forth throwing up his hands and shrugging his shoulders in rage.  The gun is still set down next to him.  I felt so scared for my dog and scared for myself.  Then he says, “Leave, I’m calling the police.”  I start to feel relief, believing that he had come to his senses, who could really kill a dog,  so I go home and I call the police.  

After two officers stopped here for my story, they went there.  An officer called quite some time later and said Keno got three of the neighbors rabbits, so he did shoot my dog and killed him.  He put a leash on him, drug him through the building out into the driveway and shot him twice.  Did I want Keno’s body?  Tears begin to flow and I say yes.  He asks if I want to press charges. Yes, absolutely.

I was there to pick up my dog who was locked inside his building with rabbits, cowering, proposing no threat and he would not let me take him home.  Just two days before Christmas we are left struggling to find joy, missing our boy.  Please help us seek justice for our beloved dog, Keno.