MERRILL, Wis. – A 35-year-old man faces nearly 50 animal abuse charges after authorities discovered the remains of 16 cats at his abandoned home, sparking outrage adn a welfare check examination.
Abandoned Cats: Man Charged with 48 Counts of Abuse
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Matthew Krautkramer is accused of neglecting 17 cats, leading to the deaths of 16, after leaving them unattended in a Merrill home.
- Matthew krautkramer, 35, is charged with 48 counts related to animal mistreatment.
- police responded to a welfare check request regarding cats at a home on E 9th Street.
- Investigators found 16 deceased cats and evidence of severe neglect inside the residence.
- Krautkramer claims he stopped caring for the cats after breaking his ankle on Thanksgiving Day.
Matthew Krautkramer was released on a $2,400 cash bond following an initial court appearance in lincoln County on January 8, according to court records. He is charged with 48 counts, including mistreatment of an animal causing death, intentionally failing to provide food for an animal, and intentionally abandoning an animal. The charges stem from a disturbing finding at a residence on the 600 block of E 9th Street in merrill.
Welfare Check Reveals Horrific Conditions
The Merrill Police Department initiated a welfare check after receiving a report concerning numerous cats living at the E 9th Street home. Upon arrival, officers reportedly observed at least seven dead cats inside. An investigation persistent that Krautkramer owned the property and had abandoned 17 cats there. The scene was described as profoundly unsettling, with a palpable sense of decay hanging in the air.
During questioning, krautkramer stated he resided at the E 9th Street home until June of 2025, when he moved in with his girlfriend. He claimed he regularly returned to the property to care for his cats. However, he told investigators he ceased visiting the house on Thanksgiving Day after suffering an ankle fracture. He admitted to leaving the 17 cats unattended. Krautkramer further stated he requested assistance from an individual to feed and water the cats while he lived with his girlfriend, but that person told investigators Krautkramer never asked them to provide care.
Investigators found 16 deceased cats inside the home,with one cat unaccounted for. multiple empty water bowls where present, but no accessible water was available for the animals. Dry cat food was discovered in a laundry basket, seemingly used as a makeshift feeding dish. Numerous litter boxes were found throughout the house, overflowing with fecal matter, creating a noxious and unsanitary surroundings.
Upcoming Court Date
What are the potential penalties for animal abuse in Lincoln County? The charges against Krautkramer carry notable penalties, including potential jail time and significant fines, depending on the severity of the neglect.
Description of changes & How questions are Answered:
* Why: Krautkramer is accused of animal abuse due to neglecting 17 cats after moving in with his girlfriend and suffering an ankle fracture, leading to their
