Judge denies bench warrants despite evidence of animal hoarding, neglect

State's attorney sought arrest of suspect prior to dog attack on boy

A Roberts County judge has refused to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of an accused animal hoarder, despite being presented with evidence that the woman still has animals in violation of her bond.

The decision by Magistrate Judge Cullen McNeece not to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Shania Loney may have led to a dog in Loney’s possession attacking a boy earlier this month. The boy had to be treated for puncture wounds on both of his thighs after a Belgian Malinois in the possession of Loney attacked him in Fairmount, North Dakota on July 9.

Roberts County deputies arrested Loney June 21 after the office received an animal neglect complaint. Deputies found a dog with scabs on its back tied to a tree, another dog as well as three rabbits and three cats in cages that were too small for them.

“All animals showed varying signs of neglect,” an arrest affidavit alleged.

As area population grows, recycling rate falls