On Monday, June 17, 2024, a search warrant was executed by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office west of the Muscatine city limits. The warrant was obtained in connection with an animal neglect investigation. Sheriff’s office personnel were assisted by Muscatine-based It Takes a Village Animal Rescue & Resources (ITAVARR), Muscatine Police Department Animal Control, and Muscatine County Planning.
A total of 67 animals were removed from the property, most of them from inside the house. Two of these animals were found dead on the property. These animals are being thoroughly examined and cared for by ITAVARR staff, while an autopsy is being performed on the two dead animals. Due to the condition inside the house, the house has been deemed unsafe for human habitation.
This is an ongoing investigation and additional details may be released at a later date. The Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the staff at ITAVARR for their outstanding work and dedication to animal rescue, providing local law enforcement with the resources to handle cases of this nature and being a great community partner.
