SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — There’s new information on an abuse investigation in Lincoln County Tuesday.
Over the last 24 hours, authorities have removed nearly 50 cats and dogs, along with four children from a rural home. The suspects in the case include the Finance Officer for the City of Lennox.
State Wide Results | State Senate Results | State House Results | National Results Map
A report of possible child abuse led a Lincoln County Deputy to a rural Lennox home on Monday afternoon. When the deputy went inside, the investigation expanded.
“It was discovered, very obviously, that the house was not in a good living condition,” Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Swenson said. “And through that investigation, we discovered 40 plus animals in the house and not good living conditions for the family, especially the kids.
Authorities tell KELOLAND News the four children who lived in this home are now in a safe place.
“You know, that was our primary concern with this investigation to get those kids out of that injurious environment,” Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman said.
Two adults – Clint and Heidi Ihnen – face felony child abuse charges. They’re also charged with more than a dozen counts of animal neglect.
On Monday in court, the judge set both of their bonds at $500 cash.
“And further, they were ordered to work with the Humane Society to capture or take into the Humane Society custody any animals that were still outside of the residence that weren’t able to be seized last night,” Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman said.
“There’s some aggressive dogs in there so we just, we’re just taking our time to get it done. But there’s some dogs that have injuries and it’s just a sad situation,” Swenson said.
On Tuesday afternoon, Heidi Ihnen was back at the house, assisting someone in a hazmat suit.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in my career,” Swenson said. “It’s you know, I have two dogs and that’s a houseful for me to think. There’s in the upper 40 or 50 animals in this house, at this residence, is just unheard of.”
If convicted, they could face up to ten years for each count of child abuse.
