Animal cruelty charge filed after puppies found dead in Hankinson

HANKINSON, N.D. (KVRR-KFGO) – A Hankinson man is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after several puppies and dogs were exposed to extreme cold conditions.

According to court documents, the Richland County Sheriff’s Office has taken calls from concerned neighbors throughout 2025. The concerns were for dogs being at large, with no caretaker, and being exposed to extreme conditions.

Deputies say the unoccupied home is owned by Tyrone Wilson. They made contact with him several times and he told deputies he would build a shelter and check on the animals to ensure they had food and water.

Another call came on Jan. 23 when the temperature was below zero. At that time, a deputy observed a dog with a missing or very injured paw.

Wilson ensured the deputy that he would take the injured dog to a veterinarian. However, he would not allow a deputy onto the property to check the other dogs.

A search warrant was obtained and executed. A deputy and veterinarian went to the property on a day when it was -8. They found two dead puppies and four dogs.

Court records say they found a frozen water bucket, a 10×12’ shed that was not insulated, no water, and each dog was on a short chain. One dog was missing part of a paw and he had not received medical attention.

Tyrone Wilson is charged with one count of felony animal cruelty. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.