An arrest has been made in a severe animal neglect incident in Muscatine last month. According to a news release from the City of Muscatine and arrest affidavits, charges were filed against Kelly Marie Adams, 44, of Muscatine, on Monday, July 8. On Monday, June 17, a search warrant was executed in the 2400 block of Highway 22 in Muscatine, and 67 animals were seized.
According to affidavits, the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by personnel from It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources, a local rescue organization. Numerous dogs were observed in outdoor kennels and running freely on the property. Upon entering the residence, law enforcement discovered a home with a strong odor of ammonia from animal urine.
The flooring throughout the house was soiled with animal feces and urine, with several dogs running through the house. Many animals were confined in kennels, some with multiple dogs, containing urine and feces, and some without food or water. Animals located outside had no potable water, food, or shelter from the weather. Inside the house, 25 dogs, 11 cats, seven birds, one deceased tortoise, and five rats were seized. Outside the house, nine dogs, eight rabbits, and one deceased rabbit were also seized.
The house was deemed unsafe for human occupancy. Additionally, it was later found that Adams did, or had knowledge, that two dogs had been hidden or concealed from the property during the search warrant execution. She was found in possession of these dogs on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at a separate residence. Specifically, a gray and white rabbit and a white and gray cat were found at the residence, both of which died due to poor living conditions, lack of food, and water. A black and white spotted rabbit was examined by a licensed veterinarian and was found to be infested with fleas and had brown ear discharge. The rabbit died while under veterinary care.
A dead rabbit found in the residence was examined by a licensed veterinarian and was determined to be of ideal weight, but maggots were hatching on its body. Additionally, a dead turtle was also found in the residence. A six-week-old tabby cat was found to be emaciated, dehydrated, and suffering from diarrhea. The kitten died while under veterinary care.
The live animals are now being cared for by staff from It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources (ITAVARR) and local veterinarians. Screenings, examinations, and necropsies of dead animals are taking place.
A hearing was held on Wednesday, July 3, on a petition for disposition. Muscatine County asked the courts to order the animals to be considered “abused,” “neglected,” “mistreated,” and/or “threatened,” and for the disposition of said animals according to Iowa Code. The petition is still pending.
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Adams was arrested on Tuesday, July 9, and charged with six counts of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death under Iowa Code 717B.3(5) and 61 counts of animal neglect without injury under Iowa Code 717B.3(3). She has a hearing on modification of pretrial release on August 1 in Muscatine County Court.
