Nearly 400 animals surrendered, animal neglect charges sought in Juneau County

Nearly 400 animals surrendered, animal neglect charges sought in Juneau County

Oct 7, 2025, 8:45 AM CST

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JUNEAU COUNTY, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – Two people have been arrested after hundreds of animals are rescued from a Wisconsin Dells-area property.

The Juneau County Sheriff’s office says Dean Lewerenz and Amy Thomas face numerous animal neglect charges. On Friday, the sheriff’s office responded to a property in Plymouth Township following reports of animals on the loose. An investigation of the property determined a significant case of animal neglect.

Nearly 400 animals in total were located on the property including 81 dogs, 10 puppies, 126 rabbits, 5 horses, 136 chickens and 35 goats. The animals were surrendered to authorities and are now with numerous animal welfare organizations and shelters.


Jo Ann Krulatz

Jo Ann Krulatz is Senior Radio Journalist and News Director at WRCO and WRCE in Richland Center. Email her at joann.krulatz@civicmedia.us.


Adam Hess

Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.

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