**NORTHGLENN, Colo.** — A small dog wrapped in a red blanket and an 8-week-old kitten found inside a Doritos bag within a deep freezer at a Northglenn home earlier this year are just some of the gruesome discoveries officers made during a search preceding the arrest of the home’s owners.

Earlier this week, 69-year-old Patti Joslin and her 32-year-old daughter, Dakotah, were charged with more than 100 counts of animal cruelty after authorities uncovered deplorable living conditions for over 100 animals sustained in “tortuous conditions” for at least five years.

### Investigation Begins After Neighbor’s Complaint

The investigation started in June 2023 following a neighbor’s complaint to Northglenn police about a strong odor of dog feces coming from the Joslin property near Wyco Park. The affidavit obtained by Denver7 notes this was one of several reports made to the police department over multiple years.

Responding officers immediately noticed the overwhelming smell of feces, urine, and ammonia outside the home, masked somewhat by an air freshener placed by a fence. Efforts to contact Patti Joslin over nearly a month proved difficult until July 1, 2024, when she spoke with police during a vehicle tagging at the property.

Patti claimed only nine dogs lived inside and explained her care routine when officers observed several dogs appeared injured, unkempt, or showed fur loss. Though she promised to address the odor problem, police reports indicated the smell persisted.

### Conditions Worsen Leading to Search Warrant Execution

For nearly a year, authorities attempted to issue summons related to the unsanitary conditions. However, with no improvement, a search warrant was executed on July 16, 2024. Officers, equipped with gas masks, Tyvek suits, shoe covers, and gloves, entered the property.

They were greeted by barking and growling dogs, many of which were removed and placed under the care of shelters. However, the conditions inside were far worse than expected.

### Overpowering Odor and Hazardous Ammonia Levels

One officer reported that the smell of animal waste was so overpowering, they could still detect it through their gas mask. Ammonia tests revealed levels reaching up to 100 parts per million (ppm), far exceeding safe limits for both humans and pets. For comparison, the Adams County Health Department considers ammonia levels above 0.5 ppm uninhabitable for humans.

The intensity of the odor caused one officer to experience shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness while inside the home.

### Filthy Living Conditions Documented Throughout the Home

Animal waste covered nearly every surface. Officers found dried feces on couches and smeared across walls, with urine deeply soaked into carpets, baseboards, and flooring. Multiple litter boxes overflowed with feces, some stained with blood.

In some areas, feces were piled inches high and spread on, inside, and behind furniture. Broken furniture and couches were stained yellow and brown. Walls and baseboards were scratched up throughout the residence.

In the kitchen, officers discovered a box containing clear bags filled with cremated animal ashes, paw prints, and documents relating to deceased pets.

Bedrooms had urine- and feces-saturated floors and cat towers. A dresser mirror was nearly non-reflective due to heavy urine coating. Closet door tracks were caked in feces, preventing smooth movement of the doors. In one bathroom, the shower was encased in feces.

In the basement laundry room, an empty refrigerator contained old, orange urine-like substance. A storage space under the staircase was saturated with feces and urine. Inside a deep freezer there, officers found a deceased black and brown Miniature Pinscher wrapped in a red blanket, and an 8-week-old kitten wrapped in potty pads inside a Ziploc bag, then inside a Doritos bag.

Ammonia readings in that room also peaked at approximately 100 ppm—four times the toxic level for pets.

### Rescue Operation and Animal Health Concerns

A total of 117 animals—96 cats and 19 dogs—were removed from the home by nearly 10 animal control agencies across the metro area.

Upon examination, many animals showed signs of neglect or poor health. Several were pregnant; multiple dogs had bloodshot eyes; several cats exhibited eye injuries, fur loss, or matted fur; and lethargy was noted among many.

One Saint Bernard-type dog was in particularly poor condition, reportedly barely able to walk and covered in feces on her chest and front legs.

Officers suspected additional cats were living unseen within the home’s walls and ceilings, unable to be captured during the operation.

### Owner’s Response and Background

During a police interview days later, Patti Joslin was unable to precisely recall how many cats she kept, speculating some entered through a back window. She maintained that 18 dogs lived at the home.

When questioned about the animals found in the freezer, she said the kitten “could have died years ago,” again unable to remember when many pets had been acquired.

Patti admitted to struggling to manage the mess from the animal waste and described attempting to remove urine-soaked couches using a chainsaw, which broke during the effort.

When asked if she had ever realized the extent of the problem, she reportedly said she “didn’t know who to ask for help” after getting “in too deep” and not knowing “how to get out.”

### Veterinary Records Reveal Untreated Health Issues

Records obtained by police indicated many animals had not been seen by a veterinarian in nearly five years. Numerous pets suffered from serious health problems, including pancreatitis, hydrocephaly, anal gland ruptures, and uterine infections.

Before these recent charges, Patti Joslin had been sentenced to 12 months’ unsupervised probation, fined $130, and ordered to avoid new animal violations.

### Current Charges and Animal Outcomes

Both Patti and Dakotah Joslin now face 11 counts of aggravated animal cruelty, a Class 4 felony, and 98 counts of cruelty to animals, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

As of September 22, the Riverdale Animal Shelter, which received the rescued animals, reported that 31 cats and dogs had been born in the shelter. Unfortunately, 31 cats and dogs had to be humanely euthanized, and 10 others died due to medical complications or rejection by their mothers.

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This case highlights the critical need for vigilance and timely intervention to prevent prolonged animal suffering and neglect. Authorities continue working to ensure the rescued animals receive the care they desperately need.
https://www.denver7.com/news/crime/dead-pets-inside-freezer-feces-piled-inches-high-what-northglenn-authorities-found-in-animal-cruelty-case