Mora Woman Accused of Starving Dogs to Death Set for First Court Appearance

1 month ago 16

A woman who operates a home-based dog training and boarding facility in central Minnesota is scheduled to appear in court this week in connection with a deeply disturbing case of alleged animal abuse. Authorities have charged Moriah Krondak, the owner of Done Right Dogs in Mora, with 16 counts of animal cruelty following the discovery of nine deceased dogs and nine more in dire condition at her residence. The shocking revelations have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stricter oversight of pet care businesses operated from private homes.

Krondak’s first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, May 8. The case has sparked public outrage, with dog owners and animal welfare advocates demanding justice for the animals involved.

The investigation began when a group of pet owners returned from a vacation and attempted to retrieve their dog from Done Right Dogs. According to those involved, Krondak initially offered excuses and delays before ultimately informing the owners that their dog had died. The devastated owners transported their dog’s body to the University of Minnesota for a necropsy, which revealed troubling signs of malnourishment and neglect. Concerned veterinarians immediately contacted local law enforcement.

Deputies from the Kanmabec County Sheriff’s Office planned to follow up with an unannounced visit. However, before they could do so, authorities received a welfare request concerning another dog in Krondak’s care. Upon arriving at her property, deputies made a gruesome discovery.

Dogs were found confined in crates, some in filthy conditions. One dog was reportedly tied to a sliding glass door with a leash so short that it was physically unable to lie down. Inside the garage, investigators found the bodies of multiple deceased dogs, according to the criminal complaint filed by the county.

In total, officials rescued nine living dogs and removed the remains of nine others from the home. The dogs were immediately transferred to the care of the Animal Humane Society, which initiated a full assessment of their condition.

The criminal complaint includes findings from a veterinarian with the Animal Humane Society, who determined that the dogs showed signs consistent with prolonged starvation and dehydration. The veterinarian described the suffering as excruciating, stating that the dogs likely endured weeks or even months of physical torment.

“Starvation and dehydration are both incredibly painful,” the veterinarian wrote. “Given their physical condition, these animals most likely suffered for a significant amount of time before dying.”

These findings, paired with photographic and testimonial evidence, paint a disturbing picture of what occurred behind closed doors at Done Right Dogs.

Following the public revelation of the investigation, several former clients of Done Right Dogs have come forward to share their concerns and personal experiences.

One of the most vocal is Dakotah Louden, a dog groomer based in Isanti. Louden recalls a deeply unsettling encounter after her sister boarded a young pitbull named Charlotte at Done Right Dogs in the previous year. When the family retrieved Charlotte, they were horrified by the dog’s condition.

“She immediately drank water excessively as if she had not had access to any,” Louden said. “She was soaked in urine and completely exhausted. Right away, we knew something was terribly wrong.”

Louden added that her family had concerns at the time but lacked concrete evidence. Hearing about the recent charges confirmed their worst fears.

“It sounds like this has been going on for a long time and that a lot of people were deceived,” she said. “This woman managed to fool many well-meaning pet owners.”

The case has shocked the Mora community and ignited wider discussions about the oversight of home-based pet care facilities. Residents, pet professionals, and animal advocates are calling for stronger regulation and transparency in the dog boarding and training industry.

While the criminal charges against Krondak mark a significant step toward accountability, many say it is not enough.

Louden, who remains deeply affected by her own experience, says she is committed to advocating for better protections for animals in similar situations.

“She is grateful Charlotte survived, but we still do not know exactly what happened to her while she was in that facility,” Louden explained. “Animals have no voice. They rely entirely on us to protect them, to speak up when they are mistreated, and to ensure they are never subjected to this kind of horror.”

As Krondak prepares to face a judge on May 8, the future of Done Right Dogs remains uncertain. The case has drawn intense media scrutiny and may lead to broader conversations about legal standards for pet care providers operating out of residential properties.

Investigators continue to gather evidence as part of the ongoing criminal case. In the meantime, animal rescue organizations and pet advocates are rallying in support of the surviving dogs, many of whom require medical attention and emotional rehabilitation.

Krondak has not made any public statements regarding the charges. It remains unclear whether she has legal representation or plans to contest the allegations in court.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance in the pet care community. Experts urge pet owners to closely research and monitor any facility or individual entrusted with the care of their animals.

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Suspected cases of abuse or neglect should be immediately reported to local authorities or animal welfare organizations. Even subtle signs—such as sudden behavioral changes, physical deterioration, or unusual explanations from caregivers—can indicate a deeper problem.

As the legal process unfolds, residents in Mora and beyond remain focused on the ultimate goal: ensuring justice for the dogs who suffered and preventing similar tragedies from ever happening again.