More than 60 dogs have crowded the Iowa City Animal Shelter, after the animals were seized from three rural properties near Solon Wednesday. Misha Goodman, director of Iowa City Animal Services, says the dogs have some skin conditions and are being treated for worms.
"But generally, aside from being skinny and their coats being pretty damaged from lack of nutritional value," Goodman says, "they seem okay. There are a few that have some injuries. Their temperaments are somewhat shy right now, but they’re starting to come around to people."
Police say the dogs were found living among junk, including old farm equipment and abandoned cars. "It’s hard to imagine that anybody or anything would live in these kind of conditions," Goodman says of the properties. She says it was difficult to even get to the dogs. Most of the dogs are a terrier breed and appear to be related.
More than a dozen volunteers showed up at the shelter this morning to help care for the animals. Goodman says they can still use high-quality dog food, paper towels, bleach, and collapsible metal dog kennels. Anyone who wants to help is asked to call Iowa City Animal Services at 319-356-5297. No charges have been filed yet in the case.