MUSCATINE, Iowa — 20 dogs were rescued from a Muscatine home where they "were living in horrible conditions" in what local officials described as a hoarding situation.
The rescue took place on Thursday, Sept. 19. Muscatine Animal Control Officer Courtney Patel said that an anonymous tip led the Muscatine Police Department to obtain a search warrant for the rescue of threatened animals.
“They were living in horrible conditions,” Patel said. “They were dirty and malnourished.”
The Muscatine Humane Society closed its doors on Thursday to take care of the animals as they were brought in. The facility remained closed on Friday to continue to care for the animals but plans to reopen to the public on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Director of the Muscatine Humane Society Chris McGinnis asked her staff to stay after hours to help care for the animals, according to a news release.
“Late today we took in 20 dogs, most are large, from a hoarding situation,” McGinnis said in a Facebook post. “We are currently short staffed and we need to examine and assess each dog with our veterinarian and document and photograph our findings. We ask for your understanding while we perform our duties.”
“The City will not tolerate neglect or abuse of animals,” Patel said. “Thanks to the anonymous citizen we were able to rescue them and, with the Humane Society’s help, we will be able to find them better homes.”
The City of Muscatine said that the Muscatine Police Department has seen an unusual number of cases in which a large number of animals were living together in dangerous conditions.
“The most important thing for the public to do is if they see something, say something,” Patel said. “The smell around a home may be the first clue that something is not right, and we again urge citizens to call the police station and we will investigate.”
An upcoming court hearing will determine the ownership of the animals. No charges have been filed yet.
Call 563-263-9922 to report any suspicious activity. Callers can identify themselves or remain anonymous.