Prepared by: Chrystal F. Ross Director of Operations FCHS

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I would like to sincerely thank the District Attorney’s Office and the officers involved, including Alex Seifert and Chief Eric Bath, for the significant time, dedication, and effort they have devoted to bringing this matter forward. Their commitment to accountability, animal welfare, and justice for those affected is deeply appreciated.

On behalf of the organization, we respectfully ask that the impact on the animals, their caretakers, and the community be fully considered as this case proceeds. We request that any resolution include appropriate accountability under Wisconsin law, full restitution for losses incurred, and consideration of the harm caused to the organization’s reputation, operations, and ability to maintain public trust.

If any plea agreement or negotiated resolution is considered, we respectfully ask that the interests of the animals—those without a voice—be meaningfully represented. We further ask that the resolution reflect the seriousness of Denise Bostron’s alleged mishandling of funds and serve as a clear example that funds entrusted for the care and protection of animals must be handled with honesty, responsibility, and accountability.

If community service is ordered as part of any sentence or resolution, we respectfully request that it be structured in a way that encourages accountability, humility, and empathy toward the animals and the work that supports them. We ask that any service be limited to duties that do not involve direct responsibility for the care, custody, handling, or well-being of animals. Appropriate service may include supervised cleaning, maintenance, or other manual labor tasks, such as cleaning kennels, cat boxes, condos, stalls, floors, yards, pools, or other facility areas as deemed appropriate by the supervising facility. Such service would reflect the essential daily labor that supports animal welfare and that was disregarded through the alleged conduct.

This request is not made out of personal animus or retaliation. It is made in pursuit of justice for every animal, caretaker, volunteer, donor, and community member affected by the alleged conduct.

We are confident that District Attorney Seifert and the court officials involved have the best interests of the Forest County Humane Society in mind. We again extend our sincere thanks for their diligence, professionalism, and service, and we respectfully acknowledge the importance of the roles they hold. We recognize that cases involving strong emotions can be especially challenging and may make the pursuit of justice more difficult. Please extend our sincere appreciation to the Forest County District Attorney’s Office for its guidance and representation. We are truly grateful for their continued commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of those who cannot speak for themselves, and to the public for its continued support. We encourage all who care about animal welfare, accountability, and community trust to stand with us in seeking a just and meaningful resolution.

We also encourage the public to become actively involved in animal welfare efforts within their own counties, states, and municipalities. Across communities, animals continue to suffer from abuse, neglect, mismanagement of resources, and barriers that can prevent meaningful welfare work from moving forward. True animal advocacy is not limited to a specific breed, background, financial circumstance, or public profile; it means being a voice for all animals, even when doing so is difficult or uncomfortable.

We ask community members to support local animal welfare organizations by volunteering time, offering financial support when possible, donating needed supplies, and providing practical help to those doing this work every day. Animal rescue and welfare work can carry a tremendous emotional burden, including rescue fatigue, compassion fatigue, and mental health strain among animal welfare professionals and veterinarians. This issue deserves greater awareness, compassion, and support. By getting involved and standing alongside those who care for animals, the public can help strengthen the safety net for animals and the people who advocate for them.

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Forest County Case No. 2026CF000046
State of Wisconsin v. Denise Marie Bostron

Charge Information

Count No.

Statute

Description

Severity

Disposition

1

943.20(1)(b)

Theft – Business Setting, >$10,000–$100,000

Felony G

Pending

Wisconsin Law Reference:
Wis. Stat. § 943.20(1)(b) addresses theft by a person who, by virtue of office, business, employment, trustee status, or bailee status, has possession or custody of money or negotiable property belonging to another and intentionally uses, transfers, conceals, or retains it without the owner’s consent, contrary to authority, and with intent to convert it for personal or unauthorized use. For theft involving a value greater than $10,000 but not exceeding $100,000, the offense is classified as a Class G felony under Wis. Stat. § 943.20(3). A Class G felony is punishable under Wisconsin law by imprisonment and/or fines as provided by statute. Restitution may also be ordered for losses resulting from the offense.

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Upcoming Court Appearance:
Date: September 3, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Forest County Circuit Court
Proceeding: Pre-trial Conference
Court Official: Hon. Daniel L. Overbey

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Prepared by: Chrystal F. Ross Director of Operations FCHS

 

The Issue

 

For many years, the Forest County Humane Society in Crandon, Wisconsin, has provided safe shelter and compassionate care for animals in need. As a nonprofit, no-kill organization, we are committed to protecting every animal that comes through our doors. That work is only possible because of the trust, generosity, and advocacy of our community and supporters.

What Happened

We were devastated to discover that funds entrusted to our organization were mishandled. These actions have pushed the Humane Society to the brink of bankruptcy and now threaten our ability to continue serving the animals who depend on us. Beyond the financial damage, this breach of trust has deeply affected the supporters and community members who have stood beside us for years.

Why Accountability Matters

The Forest County Humane Society calls on District Attorney Alex Seifert and the Forest County District Attorney’s Office to pursue charges against the person responsible. Misuse of charitable funds can lead to serious criminal consequences, including felony charges such as embezzlement, wire fraud, or theft by swindling, along with substantial fines and prison time.

Seeking justice is essential not only to hold the responsible party accountable, but also to protect the future of our organization and the animals in our care. Taking legal action sends a clear message that this kind of betrayal will not be tolerated and helps preserve confidence in nonprofit organizations throughout our community.

How You Can Help

We urgently need your support. By signing this petition, you can help hold those responsible accountable and restore confidence in the Forest County Humane Society. Together, we can protect this shelter as a safe haven for animals in need and ensure it continues to serve the community with dedication and care.

If you would like to contact District Attorney Alex Seifert directly, you can write to:

 

·         daforest@da.wi.gov and alexander.seifert@da.wi.gov

·         Forest County District Attorney

·         200 E Madison St

·         Crandon, WI

 

Please feel free to use this template to email District Attorney Seifert and add your own thoughts and credentials.

 

 

[Insert current date]

Dear District Attorney Seifert,

I am writing regarding the pending charges against Denise Marie Bostron in DA case number 2026FO000338, involving Wisconsin Statute 943.20(1)(b), Theft in a Business Setting exceeding $10,000 but less than $100,000, a Class G felony. I respectfully ask that you consider the significant harm these alleged actions have caused to the animals in the care of the Forest County Humane Society and to the organization’s ability to continue serving the community.

Impact on the Humane Society and Animals

The Forest County Humane Society is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that depends on donations and community support to remain open and care for animals in need. The alleged misappropriation of funds has had effects far beyond financial loss. It has disrupted current operations, threatened future services, and undermined public trust in an organization that vulnerable animals depend on.

Most importantly, the consequences have affected animal welfare directly. According to this account, inaccurate records and failures related to available funds contributed to animals being denied necessary care and, in some cases, may have cost lives. That harm cannot be fully remedied by repayment alone.

Request for Accountability

For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to prosecute this matter to the full extent of the law. Doing so would not only address the harm done in this case but also send a clear message that misconduct within nonprofit organizations can have devastating real-world consequences for the people and animals they are meant to protect.  

We also ask that you investigate Enhanced Penalties Under 2025 Wisconsin Act 106 (AB89)

The March 2026 enacted 2025 Wisconsin Act 106 (Assembly Bill 89) introduces two major changes that can significantly increase fines and penalties for theft, including nonprofits. 

Please help give voice to the animals that cannot speak for themselves and stand with the community in seeking accountability in this matter.

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Respectfully,

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[Insert your name]

[Insert your contact information]