March 31, 2026
STODDARD, Wis. – Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson reports an arrest related to an animal cruelty case that has been under investigation since early March.
On the night of March 2, 2026, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a 5‑year‑old male Australian Shepherd had gotten loose from a residence on County Road O in rural Stoddard, within the Town of Bergen. When the dog later returned home, it was discovered that the animal had been castrated without the owner’s consent. Due to the apparent injuries, the dog required veterinary care.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident, including one deputy who has completed the 40‑hour Humane Officer Training Course provided by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Deputies worked diligently to identify a viable suspect but were unsuccessful until recent developments and the discovery of new evidence.
As a result of the investigation, Marvin P. Keim, 40, of rural Stoddard, was taken into custody early Monday evening, March 30, and transported to the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center.
Keim appeared in Vernon County Circuit Court early Tuesday afternoon and was released on a $1,000 signature bond. He is scheduled to return to court on April 8, at 9:00 a.m. Formal charges will be sought through Vernon County District Attorney Angela Palmer‑Fisher. A charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Keim is cooperating with the investigation. The dog has fully recovered from his injuries.
“I would like to thank the deputies for their diligence that helped bring this case closer to resolution,” Sheriff Torgerson said. “I would also like to thank a very generous individual and the Driftless Humane Society for funding the humane officer training for several of our deputies. I greatly appreciate the community’s continued support of our work.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
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