Law enforcement officials serve a warrant and seized 55 dogs, 8 cats a rural Harris home. "We investigated and obtained a search warrant," Weber said last week. "In my 27 years in law enforcement, it was probably the worst residence I've ever seen for filth."

Berkland said she was called to the scene to "attest to the health and well being, or lack thereof, of the animals there." According to Berkland, she was taken to the rear of the home and viewed the interior through a window.

Berkland said she saw soiled papers on the floor and that the dogs appeared to "eliminate wherever they wanted." The veterinarian was unable to examine any of the animals because she could not get close to any. She did note, however, that two dogs outside the house had problems including missing fur over its back while another could not use its hind legs and suffered from an umbilical hernia.

"The dogs were very hyper and scraggily," the veterinarian reported. "It appeared to be a breeding ground for internal and external parasites. The dogs didn't appear to have a clean place to sit or lay. I told Doug (Sheriff Weber), 'the dogs have to go now.' It was the most horrific example of animals and people living together in the same house."

Officials from the Sioux Falls, SD, Humane Society were called to the scene and removed the animals.  Suzanne Zutter, executive director of the Sioux Falls Humane Society, said all of the animals were examined by a veterinarian and found to have fleas, mange and worms and excessively long toenails. Some had large hernias, significant over-and under-bites and open sores from the fleas.

"The dogs have been under a huge amount of stress. They have been treated for fleas, worms and mange, vaccinated, bathed and groomed," Zutter said. She indicated that one dog, which was "in extreme duress" had been euthanized.

The cats, a mother and litter of seven, were judged to be "a little better off but may take days or weeks to come around." Zutter said it is believed the cats were kept separately from the dogs.

Each of the animals will be evaluated on an individual basis.  "We are hoping the animals will make good pets but we can't do anything with them. We are serving as a housing agent, taking care of the animals on behalf of Sheriff Weber and helping the animals to get healthy," Zutter explained.

Weber said his department is still investigating and waiting for reports from Berkland and the Humane Society.

Osceola county attorney Bob Hansen said that although no decision regarding possible charges has been made, his office is looking at Chapter 717B.3 of the Iowa Code, which addresses animal neglect, a simple misdemeanor.

If charged with a simple misdemeanor, the Shreve's could face a maximum of 30 days in jail, a fine of $50 to $500 or both for each count. The Shreve's could possibly be charged with one count for each animal.

Update 11/3/05:  Three Osceola county residents have each been charged with animal neglect, according a press release from the Osceola county sheriff's department.

Sheriff Doug Weber announced last week that Mark Leroy Shreve, 74, Arlene Joyce Shreve, 72, and Mark Brenden Shreve, 37, all of Harris, have been charged with animal neglect, a simple misdemeanor. Each of the Shreve's were charged with 10 counts of animal neglect.

Update 12/24/05:  A Harris couple and their adult son were recently sentenced for neglecting the care of 55 dogs and 8 cats staying at a rural Harris farmhouse in mid October.

In Osceola County District Court, Magistrate Fred Year sentenced the 3 Shreve's on 5 misdemeanor counts of animal neglect each person received a 30-day jail sentence with 26 days dismissed and 2 years informal probation in which each person has to report to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, according to the Osceola County Clerk of Courts office.

The time will be suspended if the three people pay costs of $932.43 by April 30, $932.42 by July 1 and $66 to a veterinarian office.  Through a plea agreement five counts of animal neglect were dropped.

The Shreve's were charged with animal neglect after authorities executed a search on Oct. 18 at the farmhouse at 1203 Vine Ave.

Deputies found the animals roaming freely throughout the home. Officers reported finding wild rats in the basement.

The cats and dogs were taken to Sioux Falls for boarding and to have their health checked.

Reference:

The Sioux City Journal

Ocheyedan Press-News