Two Watertown Parents Charged With Child Neglect After 21 Cats, Animal Waste and Chlorine Gas Risk Allegedly Found in Home
Published: October 3rd 2026.
WATERTOWN MN - Two Watertown parents have been charged with child neglect in Carver County after authorities allegedly found their young children living in a home with 21 cats, animal waste, mold and other potentially hazardous conditions, including an alleged attempt to clean mold with a bleach-and-vinegar mixture that prosecutors noted can produce potentially deadly chlorine gas.
Kaela Maire Engelke and Kotah Ray Wallce Burford are each charged with one count of neglect or endangerment of a child — neglect, a gross misdemeanor. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
The allegations stem from an Aug. 25 welfare check conducted by the Carver County Sheriff's Office and Carver County Health and Human Services at a residence in Watertown.
According to the complaints, authorities had previously visited the residence and raised concerns about conditions inside the home. Engelke and Burford had allegedly been advised that the residence needed to be cleaned to provide a safe environment for the children.
Authorities returned after receiving another report indicating that conditions had allegedly deteriorated.
When officials arrived, a deputy reported smelling a strong odor coming from inside the residence. Once inside, authorities allegedly encountered a powerful ammonia-like odor attributed to cat urine and found animal feces in multiple areas of the home.
A community service officer counted 21 cats living inside the approximately 1,120-square-foot residence, according to the complaints. Engelke and Burford allegedly told authorities they did not know how many cats were inside.
Investigators also reported finding dirty dishes throughout the kitchen, mold in portions of the residence and other alleged safety hazards that authorities said had not been addressed following an earlier visit.
The complaint also alleges Burford told authorities he had attempted to clean mold using a mixture of bleach and vinegar. Prosecutors specifically noted in the complaint that mixing bleach and vinegar can produce potentially deadly chlorine gas.
Prosecutors allege the overall conditions deprived the children of appropriate shelter or supervision and harmed or were likely to substantially harm their physical, mental or emotional health.
The charges are allegations. Engelke and Burford are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.