Help Hannah and the Animals Find Justice

Hannah’s legal fund will pay for an attorney to fight slander and seek justice for animals

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Help Hannah and the Animals Find Justice

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This fundraiser is dedicated to supporting Hannah Swanson, who was allegedly wronged by the Department of Agriculture, the Chippewa Falls Police Department, and a group of individuals who used false and slanderous information against her. As a result, an animal rescue was shut down, and countless animals have since lost their lives or their chance at safety. We are seeking justice not only for Hannah, but also for the animals affected by these actions. Funds raised will go toward retaining a qualified attorney to represent Hannah, fight misinformation, protect her rights, and pursue accountability for both her and the animals who deserve justice.

More details below.......

**Background and Mission**

Hannah Swanson founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue *Davey’s Cat Pit Stop* nearly four years ago in memory of her late father. Hannah was raised in a veterinary household, with a veterinarian father and a veterinary technician mother, and began working with animals from birth. As a young adult, she worked as a veterinary technician assistant at a northern Wisconsin veterinary clinic. Her lifelong commitment to animal welfare spans both rescue and medical treatment, with a focus on saving and rehabilitating animals in need.

In October 2024, Hannah sought to expand the rescue’s capacity and formalize its operations. She applied for licensing through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture to obtain a dog “seller’s” license, which would allow the legal rehoming of more than 25 dogs per year.

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**Department of Agriculture Oversight Issues**

From the initial inspection conducted by Department of Agriculture inspector Mitchell Kail, Hannah reports repeated instances of overreach, boundary violations, and infringement upon the civil rights of both herself and her foster network. Inspector Kail expressed dissatisfaction with internal paperwork practices and the geographic sources of rescued animals. Over time, he began issuing repeated violations and reinspection fees, each costing $500, which the rescue asserts were unnecessary and punitive in nature.

Inspector Kail conducted inspections at private residences under questionable circumstances. In one instance, he entered a foster’s property while the foster was at work, allegedly searching the premises without proper authorization. He cited violations related to personal dogs and two rescue puppies housed in a fenced, heated outbuilding with food, water, bedding, and straw. Official reports allegedly misrepresented these conditions, claiming the animals were left unattended outdoors in subzero temperatures.

In another instance, Inspector Kail inspected a home belonging to an individual who was no longer a foster and had no rescue animals present. Despite this, violations were written against Hannah, and the homeowner was reported to Child Protective Services for occasionally babysitting relatives during a home renovation. When informed the individual was no longer affiliated with the rescue, Inspector Kail allegedly stated that Hannah should have reported the change in foster status to the department.

Repeated attempts were made by the rescue to report this conduct to Inspector Kail’s supervisors and higher-level administrators. According to the rescue, these reports were not acted upon.

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**Adoption and Veterinary Incident**

In December 2024, Christina Troyak adopted a purebred Rottweiler puppy from *Davey’s Cat Pit Stop*. The puppy originated from a surrendered litter in Arcadia, Wisconsin, where the dogs were found in poor condition and without prior veterinary care. Shortly after intake, the puppies developed kennel cough and were promptly treated with antibiotics and supportive care.

The Troyak family was fully informed that the puppy had been treated for kennel cough, was underweight due to illness-related lethargy, and required close monitoring, reduced stress, and an increased-calorie diet during recovery. The family acknowledged these risks and proceeded with the adoption, citing prior experience with both rescue and purebred dogs.

Within a week, the puppy’s condition worsened. At a Madison veterinary clinic, the puppy was placed on an antibiotic that Hannah advised against. The family did not properly restart the recommended treatment, and the puppy’s condition declined further, leading to emergency hospitalization and oxygen support. The attending veterinarian later confirmed that the puppy was suffering from aspiration pneumonia, likely caused by inhaling vomit, and stated that this outcome was not the fault of any party.

As veterinary bills escalated, the rescue offered multiple resolutions, including a full refund, assuming medical care locally and returning the puppy in good health, replacing the puppy, or other accommodations at the family’s discretion. All offers were declined. The rescue also offered to assist with grant applications to help offset medical costs. At that point, Ms. Troyak made hostile statements, blocked communication, and stated her intent to shut down the rescue.

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**Harassment and Escalation**

Following this incident, daily complaints were submitted to the Department of Agriculture by Ms. Troyak and others. A Facebook group titled *“Davey’s Cat Pit Stop Is Corrupt”* was created, with one administrator identifying the group as a “cult.” Members of this group allegedly engaged in stalking, harassment, and intimidation, including recording rescue members’ homes, driving individuals off the road, filing repeated open records requests, issuing threats involving volunteers’ children, and interfering with rescue operations.

Despite multiple reports to law enforcement, rescue members state that little to no assistance was provided.

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**Chippewa Falls Police Department Incident**

The situation culminated in a warrant issued by the Chippewa Falls Police Department based on information allegedly supplied by Inspector Kail and an anonymous complainant. The claims asserted that Hannah had shot a rescue Great Dane and was harboring over 50 dogs and 30 cats in her two-bedroom apartment.

Police executed the warrant by arriving at Hannah’s residence, handcuffing her significant other, seizing his phone, accessing Life360 to locate Hannah, and detaining her while she was at a veterinary clinic. Animals in Hannah’s home were seized, and she was arrested.

After being booked and released, Hannah attempted to reclaim the animals at Chippewa Humane Association and requested a police escort, which was denied. At the shelter, staff allegedly became hostile and refused to assist her. After Hannah used inappropriate language during the encounter, she was arrested a second time for disorderly conduct.

Police were provided with extensive documentation, including veterinary records, proof of ownership for animals Hannah was temporarily caring for, financial records showing approximately $30,000 in veterinary expenses over several months, and documentation disproving the allegations regarding the Great Dane. Some animals were returned to their owners, while others were transferred to Eau Claire Humane Society and rapidly placed for adoption. Chippewa Humane has not posted the remaining dogs for adoption despite them being spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.

Notably, Hannah’s personal animals were left in the home, despite allegations of cruelty. The District Attorney has not filed formal charges, and no charges appear in court records. Nevertheless, a media release was issued, resulting in nationwide exposure and significant reputational harm.

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**Current Status and Call for Support**

Since these events, Hannah has received death threats, which were reported to law enforcement without response. She has lost her job, her rescue operations, and her professional reputation. Multiple constitutional and civil rights violations are alleged. An attorney has agreed to take Hannah’s case, requiring a $2,500 retainer and an additional $10,000 should the case proceed to trial.

We are asking for community support to help fund Hannah’s legal defense and restore justice. Those who know Hannah and can attest to her character, integrity, and dedication to animal welfare are encouraged to submit letters of support. Any financial assistance toward legal fees is deeply appreciated.

Hannah has devoted her life to animals and her community. What has occurred is neither justifiable nor acceptable.

**God bless.**




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Justice ForAll
Organizer
Eau Claire, WI
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