Stoddard man arrested in connection with animal cruelty case

Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports an arrest related to an animal cruelty case that has been under investigation since early March. On the night of March 2, the Sheriff’s Office received a report that a male five-year-old Australian Shepherd had gotten loose from a residence on County Road O in rural Stoddard, in the Town of Bergen.  When the dog returned home, it was discovered that the dog had been castrated without the owner’s consent.  Due to apparent injuries, the dog received veterinary care.

Sheriff’s deputies responded, including one who completed the 40-hour Humane Officer Training Course provided by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.  Deputies worked diligently to identify a viable suspect but were unsuccessful until recent developments and the discovery of new evidence. As a result of the investigation, Marvin P. Keim (K-I-M-E), 40 of rural Stoddard, was taken into custody early Monday evening (March 30) and transported to the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.

Marvin Keim appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court early Tuesday afternoon and was released on a $1,000 Signature Bond.  He is due back in court on April 8.