Missoula Officer Finds Dogs in Shocking Conditions

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 19, 2025, a Missoula Police Department officer was assisting the City of Missoula’s code compliance department and Missoula County Animal Control with various tasks. At around 9:45 AM, the officer searched for a dog that was improperly given back to its owner due to a miscommunication at Animal Control, in addition to investigating multiple reports from residences on E Broadway St of non-stop barking coming from the Kim Williams Trail. 

The officer located a camp which was approximately three miles up the trail. The officer found several tents and structures in the area and noted the camp had a very strong smell of feces, urine, and rotting food. The officer further noted trash everywhere throughout the camp, as well as used toilet paper and wet wipes with blood and feces on them, as well as rotting food in and amongst the trash.  

The officer located three dogs in the camp, two of which (Dog 1 and Dog 2) were tied to one clump of trees, with the third (Dog 3) across the camp-tied to another tree. The officer noted the leads tying the dogs did not allow them to get more than a foot or so from the tree. The officer further noted that Dogs 1 and 2 were so restricted in their movement that they were unable to get away from their own feces and had to stand not to be lying in their own feces. 

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No Food or Water Nearby 

The officer noted that all three dogs did not have food or water nearby. The closest food to Dog 3 was in a cast-iron pan, but from the leash length and how the pan was situated, it did not appear that the dog could reach it. The officer found that even if Dog 3 could reach the bowl, the pan was covered in maggots. All of the dogs appeared to be some type of yellow lab or yellow lab mix.  

Animal Control officers on scene stated they would not describe the dogs as starving just yet, but noted that they were malnourished and not getting adequate nutrition, as evidenced by their visible ribs and exposed hip bones. The officer further noted that the dogs appeared dirty and had bugs, dirt, and mud stuck in their fur. Additionally, they seemed terrified and were visibly shaking. The officer found no people on scene at the camp, and no one arrived while law enforcement was there. Animal Control took custody of the dogs on this date.  

Officer Meets With Dog’s Owner 

On August 21, 2025, the officer became notified of a possible owner of the dog, 21-year-old Rachelle Farnsworth. The officer was further informed by Animal Control that Farnsworth had called Animal Control and left a rather profane message about coming to get the dogs. The officer was advised by Animal Control that this is the second instance where they found animals in Farnsworth’s care and in poor conditions. 

The officer set up to meet with Farnsworth to discuss the dogs. In a meeting with Farnsworth, she was found with another dog, which appeared to be an older black lab. Based on the totality of the circumstances, the officer arrested Farnsworth for confining animals in a cruel manner, not seeking out veterinarian care for obvious serious illness, and not providing food and water of a sufficient quantity and quality to sustain normal health.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Farnsworth was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. She is currently being charged with three counts of cruelty to animals, two of which are felony offenses. 

According to court documents, the dogs will be seen and treated by a local veterinarian in the next few days. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.