Sheriff: Reports, video lead to search warrant in Rice County animal-welfare investigation

RAYMOND, Kan. (KWCH) — The Rice County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from partner agencies, is serving a search warrant in Raymond as part of an ongoing animal-welfare investigation, Sheriff Nicholas Sowers announced Monday.

“Recent reports and video provided to law enforcement helped move this investigation forward and supported the effort to obtain a search warrant,” Sowers said in a video posted on the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page.

The investigation comes about a week after a video circulating on social media appeared to show the bodies of dead dogs on a property in Raymond, Kan.

Sowers said the scene remains active and that work is still underway. He said he would not discuss evidence, identities or specific investigative details.

“We know there is a public there’s a significant public concern and we will provide a more complete update as soon as we’re able to do so without compromising the investigation,” he said.

Sowers said the sheriff’s office remains focused on working through the process safely, carefully and thoroughly.