IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Trial has been set for a former Iowa City dog groomer accused of kicking a dog while it was in his care.
Lucas Van Orden V, 22, is set to stand trial on Nov. 1 on an aggravated misdemeanor charge of animal abuse, the Iowa City Press-Citizen reports. If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison.
Van Orden had initially been charged with animal neglect, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail. Prosecutors dismissed that charge in favor of the more serious animal abuse count.
Authorities say Van Orden kicked the dog July 9, breaking some of its ribs and bruising its lungs. He has since been fired from Creature Comfort Veterinary Center, owned by Van Orden’s father.
The dog has recovered.
