MORA, Minn. (September 22, 2025) — In Defense of Animals decries the acquittal of Edward Erickson, trainer and owner of Autumn Breeze Kennel, who faced only a felony charge for killing Evie, a dog he asphyxiated during a brutal training session.

Kristina Ringold entrusted Erickson, a trainer since 1998, with Evie, a German wirehaired pointer. Court records show that Evie had spent two weeks with Erickson on her second training session when on July 10, 2023, Ringold received a video from Erickson of Evie in grave distress. She headed to remove Evie from the kennel when she received a call from Erickson that Evie had died of a heart attack.

According to the complaint, “In the video sent by (Erickson), Evie can be seen rolling upwards and struggling, hanging upside‐down by the leashes connecting her to the side of the kennel. During this, (Erickson) can be heard stating he would ‘not let this (expletive) win.’” 

Ringold saw an “e-collar” in Erickson’s hand and believed he was shocking Evie. Ringold took Evie for a necropsy the next day, which, according to the complaint, “revealed signs Evie had bloody toenails and fecal matter along her sides, which indicated she struggled before dying.” Hemorrhaging throughout her body suggested Evie “died of asphyxiation, probably secondary to strangulation from the rope that had been tied around her neck.”

Erickson was not arrested until December 12, and was charged with one felony count of overworking or mistreating animals.

In Defense of Animals submitted a letter signed by 15,443 outraged advocates to Assistant District Attorney Jessica Booth insisting Erickson receive jail time, and mental health evaluation and treatment.

Erickson’s first appearance was held on Jan. 22, 2024, at the Kanabec County Courthouse. He received a probationary release that he does not have contact with any animal.

Despite Evie’s prolonged suffering and death by asphyxiation, Minnesota law only punishes first offense torture or cruel mistreatment of animals by up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.

On September 17, he was acquitted by a jury. 

“This case has gripped the public and sparked outrage because Evie’s torture and death were shockingly brutal,” said Doll Stanley, Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner for In Defense of Animals. “Erickson should have faced a severe sentence, mental health evaluation and treatment, community service, as well as a lifetime ban on owning animals.”

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Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi, since 1983. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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