GRYGLA, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Grygla man faces an animal mistreatment charge after a dog was found dead inside a parked vehicle.
According to court documents, Joshua Duane Lian, 38, of Grygla, is accused of neglecting the dog by leaving it unattended.
The complaint contains conflicting statements about who placed the animal inside the vehicle and how long it remained there.
Anonymous Tip Leads to Investigation
On September 9, 2026, around 9:38 a.m., Marshall County dispatch received an anonymous report about a deceased dog.
The caller reported hearing information about the incident through someone working at Machinewell in Grygla.
According to the complaint, the information came from a workplace conversation involving Lian and another employee.
The conversation reportedly concerned a dog that died after being left inside a vehicle for an extended period.
A Marshall County deputy contacted Lian to investigate the circumstances surrounding the animal’s death.
Lian Says He Forgot Dog Was Inside Vehicle
During questioning, Lian reportedly told investigators he had placed the dog inside his mother’s vehicle for safety reasons.
He explained that the dog sometimes became aggressive when visitors arrived at his residence.
According to the complaint, Lian said placing the dog inside the vehicle was a common practice.
Lian told the deputy that people visited the residence and that he later left the property.
He reportedly returned around 9 p.m. and discovered the dog deceased inside the vehicle.
When asked how long the dog had been inside, Lian estimated approximately one hour.
However, he could not remember the exact time the dog was placed inside.
Lian reportedly told investigators he never intended for the dog to die and had forgotten it was there.
Another Resident Provides Different Account
Later that afternoon, around 2:30 p.m., the deputy visited Lian’s residence and spoke with Jaylene Lian.
Jaylene provided an account that differed from Joshua Lian’s earlier statements.
She reportedly told investigators that she had placed the dog inside her vehicle around 4:30 p.m.
According to the complaint, she was expecting visitors and said the dog frightened them.
Jaylene stated that she forgot the dog was inside the vehicle.
She reportedly did not remember until approximately 9 p.m., when Joshua returned and discovered the animal deceased.
Her account suggests the dog remained inside the vehicle for approximately four and a half hours.
Jaylene also told deputies that Joshua had nothing to do with placing the dog inside.
Deputy Examines Deceased Dog and Vehicle
Investigators examined the deceased dog and the vehicle involved in the incident.
According to court documents, the animal was approximately five years old and had not previously been sick.
The dog was reportedly discovered on the front passenger-side floorboard.
The deputy observed no obvious external injuries to the animal.
The vehicle was identified as a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport.
Investigators observed paw prints, smudges, and animal hair inside the vehicle.
The deputy photographed both the dog and the vehicle as part of the investigation.
The complaint does not identify a veterinary examination or provide an official medical determination of the cause of death.
Misdemeanor Animal Mistreatment Charge Filed
Prosecutors charged Joshua Duane Lian with one count of mistreating animals under Minnesota Statute 343.21, subdivision 1.
The complaint alleges that Lian neglected the dog by leaving it unattended inside a vehicle, resulting in its death.
The charge is classified as a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
Minnesota’s animal protection law prohibits neglecting, torturing, or unjustifiably injuring or killing an animal.
Additional information is available under Minnesota Statute 343.21.
The case is filed in Marshall County District Court under court file number 45-CR-26-302.
The criminal complaint was issued with a summons.
All allegations remain unproven. Lian is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
Choose your hometown and the stories you care about.
Get My Town Alerts →Trending Stories
Thief River Falls Casey’s Worker Faces Gun ChargesNovember 6, 20262,086 views
Grygla Woman Charged After Dog Dies Inside VehicleNovember 9, 20261,908 views
Mayville QB Matt Donovan Breathes on His Own for 16 HoursOctober 27, 20261,852 views
Park Rapids Woman Killed in Deer Creek Pickup CrashNovember 6, 20261,716 views
Hallock Woman Accused in $14,600 Pull-Tab TheftNovember 8, 20261,326 views
Related Stories
Grygla Woman Charged After Dog Dies Inside Vehicle
Moorhead Target Theft: Fargo Man Faces Felony Charge
Fargo Woman Charged in $4,252 Fergus Falls Theft
Warren Man Charged With DWI After 0.24 Test
Pelican Rapids Man Charged After Highway 10 Stop
Baxter Fleet Farm Theft: Brainerd Man Charged
Pine River Man Accused of Slashing Four Tires
Warroad Woman Faces 3 Charges After Window Tint Stop
