Minnesota woman with Sioux Falls nonprofit ties under investigation for animal neglect

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - A Minnesota woman with ties to a Sioux Falls animal nonprofit is under investigation in what law enforcement described as the discovery of animal carcasses, bones, and live animals without proper care.

In 2021, while living near Howard, South Dakota, Bethany Stillions lost custody of six horses due to their poor physical condition. A judge’s orders placed the horses in Miner County’s care, citing neglect.

In April of this year, Stillions received approval from the South Dakota Secretary of State for the nonprofit Mission Pawsible, which is described as an organization that provides safe, compassionate, and temporary housing for animals to pet owners facing a personal or health crisis.

On September 12, at Stillions’ Minnesota home just east of the South Dakota border off Highway 212, a house fire occurred. First responders found nearby at least five kennels containing unknown animal carcasses, a push cart with numerous carcasses, some with extensive decay, numerous animal bones, and live dogs in kennels with empty dishes, or no shelter, some with health or malnutrition symptoms.

Documents show two dead horses, along with concerning conditions for numerous cats, rabbits, chickens, and other livestock.

Stillions told first responders she was in the process of forming a nonprofit to help pets temporarily.

Nonprofit expert Michael Wyland of Sumption & Wyland described the process of obtaining nonprofit status.

“State first, then federal. State is for corporate form, federal is for tax exemption specifically,” Wyland said.

There are no background checks for applicants.

“The purpose is not to look at the individuals, it’s to look at the organization,” Wyland said.

Another person on that state nonprofit form also started a GoFundMe for Stillions, following the fire.

Alexi McKercher said Stillions will be removed from Mission Pawsible, but the GoFundMe will continue as they’re friends.

Stillions said she is no longer associated with Mission Pawsible.

Local law enforcement from Stillions’ Minnesota address are conducting a criminal investigation and reviewing possible charges.

Stillions has a current case in Minnesota, but it’s not for the animals or carcasses found. She’s requesting the return of a corgi, currently held at the Minnesota Humane Society. She told the judge that the other live dogs she had are now back with their owners. The next court date for the corgi is November 26.