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Youngstown woman faces felony charges after her dog froze to death in backyard

By Staff report Mahoning Matters
On Feb. 5, the defendant in an animal cruelty death investigation released her two living animals voluntarily and the case is being reviewed in Youngstown.
On Feb. 5, the defendant in an animal cruelty death investigation released her two living animals voluntarily and the case is being reviewed in Youngstown. Animal Charity of Ohio

According to Animal Charity of Ohio, felony charges are pending against Brenda McMinn in a court case which highlights growing concerns of animal cruelty in the Mahoning Valley.

McMinn is a Youngstown resident who failed to properly care for her dogs resulting in extreme emaciation and death.

On Jan. 15, Animal Charity of Ohio agents found a female boxer mix who had frozen to death in a doghouse behind the garage.

McMinn told the humane society agents she wasn’t able to care for her three dogs due to her physical condition, according to a press release from Animal Charity of Ohio.

One of the dogs was found and reportedly “emaciated and chained to a doghouse” with a bucket of frozen water and snow-covered food bowl.

On Feb. 5, McMinn released her two living animals voluntarily and the case is being reviewed.

“We are hopeful that this case will bring the justice needed. We are in need of heroes to help us help these animals,” wrote the Animal Charity of Ohio.

Visit the non-profit’s website to send donations to Animal Charity of Ohio.

This story was originally published February 8, 2025 at 9:45 AM.