Woman had 39 dogs in 42 square meters - sentenced for gross animal cruelty

In August 2024, a representative of a housing company visited an apartment in southern Dalarna after neighbors complained of a smell in the stairwell. A woman in her 60s lived in the apartment, and at the time there were ten dogs in the 42 square meter home.

On a visit a year later, the number of dogs in the apartment had increased to at least 18, according to the judgment from the Falu district court. In July 2025, the county administration took care of 39 dogs from the home, 17 male dogs, 16 bitches and 6 puppies.

Some dogs were euthanized

The woman's apartment was described in the judgment as dirty with urine and feces and several of the dogs were matted, dirty and in need of care. Some of the dogs were later euthanized.

Falu district court sentences the woman to a suspended sentence and community service for gross animal cruelty during the period August 2024 to July 2025.

The woman has admitted that she had the dogs in her home, but states that she did not neglect the dogs either intentionally or negligently, but the district court believes that the woman can be held responsible for the conditions during the time the dogs were with her.