Muscatine woman arrested on 67 animal neglect charges

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.

The Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by personnel was It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources, a rescue organization located in Muscatine. A number of dogs were observed in outdoor kennels as well as running freely on the property. Upon entry into the residence, law enforcement located a home with a strong odor of ammonia from animal urine, arrest affidavits say.

“The flooring throughout the entirety of the house was soiled with animal feces and urine with several dogs running through the house,” affidavits show. “A number of the animals in the house were confined in kennels, with some kennels containing multiple dogs, with the kennels containing urine and feces, and some without food or water.”

Affidavits say the animals located outside had no potable water, no food, and no shelter from the weather. From inside the house, 25 dogs, 11 cats, seven birds, one deceased tortoise, and five rats were seized. From the surrounding property. Outside the house, nine dogs, eight rabbits, and one deceased rabbit were seized.

The house was posted as being unsafe for human occupancy, affidavits show. “Additionally, it was later found (Adams) did, or had knowledge, that two dogs had been hidden or concealed from the above mentioned property during the execution of the search warrant and which she was found in possession of on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at a separate residence.”

Specifically, a gray and white rabbit and white and gray cat were located at the residence. They died as a result of poor living conditions, and no food or water, affidavits show. A black and white spotted rabbit was examined by a licensed veterinarian and it was determined to be
of ideal weight. The rabbit was infested with fleas and had brown ear discharge. Law enforcement was later notified that the animal had died while under veterinarian care, according to affidavits.

A dead rabbit was found in the residence, affidavits show. The animal was examined by a licensed veterinarian and it was determined to be of ideal weight. Maggots were hatching on the body. Additionally, a dead turtle was found in the residence.

A six-week-old tabby cat, found in the residence, was examined by a licensed veterinarian and was determined to be emaciated. The kitten was dehydrated, had diarrhea and was very thin, and died while under veterinarian care.

The live animals are being cared for by staff with It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources ( ITAVARR ), as well as 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, the news release says.

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 – no injury under Iowa Code 717B.3(3) . She has a hearing on modification of pretrial release on Aug. 1 in Muscatine County Court.

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