PLYMOUTH COUNTY, Iowa (KTIV) - An investigation in Northwest Iowa led to children and numerous dogs being removed due to the conditions on that property.
On Thursday, Sept. 18, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office was called to a rural home for reports of unsafe living conditions for three children and numerous dogs.
“As a result of this search, the three children were removed from the residence due to the unsafe living conditions and placed in the care of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services,” stated the sheriff’s office.
Then on Tuesday, Sept. 23, a handful of agencies worked together to rescue over 100 dogs from the property.
The animals filled the kennels of two of those organizations, and now those dogs need to find new homes. A total of 111 dogs were rescued.
The Siouxland Humane Society was called by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office on that Tuesday. Deputies asked for help rescuing dogs from the Plymouth County property, though we still don’t know the location of that property or the names of the property owner.
The Siouxland Humane Society, along with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, came to the dogs’ rescue.
The Humane Society took in 12 of those dogs, 10 Shih Tzus, one lab, and one pointer. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa took in the other 99 dogs. When they picked up the dogs, their hair was severely matted.
Humane Society workers groomed them, trimmed their nails, and got them ready for adoption.
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa described the living conditions as “toxic.” They say the dogs were living in the house in areas covered in urine and feces.
Rescuers also found about 40 dogs shut in a small shed in similar conditions.
Tests taken at the scene showed ammonia levels in both structures were dangerously high.
“You can see the saturation of urine and the feces on them. The larger dogs that were in kennels were literally in their own waste. Green algae in the waters, molding food. So it was sad,” said Tina Updegrove with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
A local fire department had to be called in as well to help remove the dogs.
“Le Mars Fire Rescue conducted air samplings in the residence and other buildings on the property,” stated the sheriff’s office. “The air samples detected very high amounts of ammonia inside the residence, causing the Le Mars Fire and Rescue to ventilate the residence so workers could remove the dogs that were living inside the residence.”
For the Siouxland Humane Society, this created another challenge as its dog kennels were already full. Taking in 12 more dogs pushed the Humane Society to its limit.
Now, the Humane Society is seeking help from the community.
“People out there that are looking for pets, now is the time to step it forward. If you know somebody or if you’re that family that’s looking for that wonderful dog or cat, please check out your local shelters, check out your local rescue groups. Now is the time we need you guys the most,” said Kelly Erie with the Siouxland Humane Society.
If you are interested in any of the 12 rescued dogs that are now living at the Siouxland Humane Society, they are between the ages of 2 and 5 and are ready for a home.
The rest of the dogs were taken to a shelter in Des Moines, Iowa, where the Animal Rescue League of Iowa helped them.
“When the dogs arrived, our medical team immediately began evaluating and treating them. Most are terribly matted, some with feces embedded in their fur. Most need dental surgeries and spay/neuter surgeries. One dog has a large, concerning mass that shows signs of infection. Our teams worked into the evening to make sure they were all cared for and comfortable – making this a 12+ hour operation," stated the league in a press release. “These dogs and puppies woke up in safety. They’re finally receiving the care they need and deserve, but they have a long road ahead, and adding 100 dogs to our already full shelter puts an incredible strain on our already stretched resources.”
The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office says this incident remains under investigation.
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