Iowa Animal Hoard Overwhelms Shelter With Up To 1,000 Sick Pets

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA — The Cedar Valley Humane Society closed temporarily over the weekend as workers and volunteers continued health evaluation on hundreds of animals taken in after a seizure from a Vinton home Jan. 16. Police and animal rescue officials found between 500 and 1,000 animals in poor health and many others that were dead.

Officials seized ailing rabbits, rats, mice, hedgehogs, chinchillas, turtles, fish, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils and a ball python, according to the Vinton Police Department.

"Several dead animals were found scattered throughout the residence in various states of decomposition or stored in a freezer," the department added in a news release.

Police said four children were living in the home. The parents "are currently cooperating with the Iowa Department of Human Services regarding the welfare of the children," police said.

The animals were removed by volunteers from the Cedar Valley Humane Society in Cedar Rapids, the Friends of the Shelter, and the Wild Thunder Animal Rescue. Police said a veterinarian assessed the condition of the residence and the animals and "determined that many of them were malnourished, dehydrated and were living in overcrowded conditions that were heavily contaminated with excessive amounts of fecal matter."

Police were initially sent to the home following a call about vicious animals and a nuisance. The investigation is ongoing and authorities said no decision has been made as to whether to file criminal charges or assess civil penalties.

The Cedar Valley Humane Society is accepting donations to assist with the care of the animals that were seized. Contributions can be made here.

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