On Nov. 22, Iowa Farm Sanctuary received a report from PuppyCow Farm Goat Rescue of a deceased lamb stuck in a fence.  The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was alerted, and a search warrant for the investigation of animal neglect was obtained for 2245 170th St, Washington, about eight miles south of Kalona.

When sheriff’s deputies and animal rescue workers arrived on the scene, they found over 100 starving sheep, goats, and pigs living among animal carcasses.  The animals appeared to have no access to adequate food, water or shelter, according to Iowa Farm Sanctuary. 

Animal Farm Sanctuary, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, and PAWS & More Animal Shelter immediately began rescue operations for the living animals, which continued into the next day.  Shelter and care were secured for all of the animals, although two goats were sent to UW for emergency and intensive care following their rescue from “horrific neglect” that left them hypoglycemic, riddled with parasites, very emaciated, and critically ill.  A goat pregnant with twins passed away while enroute to the hospital.

Several animals fled the property during the investigation, but later returned.  The two sheep and three pigs were sighted in the road days later, and animal rescue workers were able to bring them to safety.

According to the Washington County Sherriff’s Office, the case remains under investigation and charges are pending once the investigation has been completed.

On Nov. 23, Iowa Farm Sanctuary wrote on their Facebook page, “We’re sad, angry, and exhausted.  And still so deeply shocked.  We’ll probably spend the next week extending our gratitude to all those who helped make this rescue possible and still feel like we haven’t said thank you enough.”

“And we can’t stress enough how thankful we are for the Washington County, IA Sheriff’s Office, who went above and beyond to make this rescue happen swiftly and efficiently,” the post continued. “Their professionalism and compassion allowed us to work together as a powerful team.  As far as nightmare scenarios go, we could not have asked for better support from law enforcement.”