Lester Prairie Woman Accused of Animal Cruelty

LESTER PRAIRIE, Minn. (FOX 9) – A woman in McLeod County is facing serious charges after authorities discovered several dead and neglected cats in her Lester Prairie home.

FOX 9 Reports that according to a criminal complaint, officers from the Winsted Police Department, along with other agencies, executed a search warrant at Tara Fay Schneewind’s residence on Oct. 22, 2025.

They found the home in poor condition, with overwhelming odors and unsanitary conditions.

Authorities discovered 10 dead cats and 14 living cats in the home.

Some of the living cats showed signs of neglect, such as respiratory infections and poor body condition.