More than 60 animals rescued from home covered in ‘trash and feces’

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — More than 60 animals, dead and alive, were discovered in an Iowa home that was littered with “trash and feces,” according to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

The rescue team found 57 dogs and puppies, along with three cats, with some just days old, inside the home. Members also sadly found a few deceased dogs along the floors covered with trash and feces.

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The dogs were found in terrible conditions on Friday in the 220 block of Windflower Drive in Norwalk, Iowa, according to the Norwalk Police Department. Although the animals had sufficient food and water, some were reportedly trapped in kennels, roaming free, or crawling with fleas.

Many of the animals had red and raw skin from scratching, hair loss, and scarred, cloudy eyes. Animal Rescue League of Iowa also said one of the dogs was hopping around on three legs, holding her fourth leg “up at an odd angle.”

Police said the owner voluntarily surrendered the dogs, which were removed one by one and taken to the shelter to await medical attention. According to the rescue team, some medical staff returned to the shelter even after their shift was over, to help the animals.

Antibiotics and medicated baths were immediately given to the pups with the worst skin and pain medication was administered to one dog with a painful leg condition. Several dogs also require knee and dental surgeries.

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“We never know when the next call for help is going to come,” Robyn Dobernecker, ARL Animal Welfare Intervention Coordinator said. “And despite our shelter already being full of dogs, the ARL was there for them and is giving them the care they deserve.”

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