Todays News

Nearly 380 animals rescued in Marshall County livestock neglect investigation

The Marshall County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) recently rescued a total of 379 animals from a rural Marshalltown property as part of an investigation into allegations of livestock neglect.

Last Thursday at approximately 7 a.m., the MCSO received a complaint that a young pony was struggling to stand up, and when deputies arrived, a young pony was located in a pasture that appeared to be entangled in brush, according to a press release issued Monday.

"Deputies were able to free the pony; however, it was determined the pony was severely malnourished and appeared to have been laying on its side for several hours. Deputies noticed (that) the condition of the property, approximately six acres, was severely overgrazed, leaving the pasture bare (and) raising concerns on health and welfare of several animals on the property," the release reads.

From there, deputies executed a search warrant at 2144 Marsh Avenue Unit P just west of Marshalltown later that day, and after investigating and consulting with veterinarians, 379 animals were rescued from the property -- 342 chickens (seven of which were euthanized), 18 sheep, two geese, five goats, six pigs, two rabbits, one duck, one horse and two kittens. One of the injured ponies was humanely euthanized.

"All live animals were contained, loaded into multiple livestock trailers and transported by ARL of Iowa staff to a recovery location where animals received health and welfare assessments, along with recommended treatment," the release reads.

The livestock owners, Pedro Garcia-Alvarez, age 46, and Millie Moreno-Garcia, age 55, both of Marshalltown, were arrested on Monday and charged with Livestock Neglect-Causing Serious Injury or Death and Livestock Neglect-Failure to Provide Adequate Livestock Care.

The MCSO coordinated with the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and Marshall County Attorney's Office regarding the removal, care, and disposition of the animals. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the MCSO, which received assistance from the ARL of Iowa, ARL of Iowa Veterinary Services, South Hardin Veterinary Clinic, and Marshall County Emergency Management Agency-CERT Members.

"Our deputies take reports of animal and livestock neglect seriously. Livestock owners have a responsibility to provide appropriate care for animals in their custody. When circumstances warrant legal intervention, our deputies will take appropriate action to protect the animals while following the law and established investigative procedures," Sheriff Joel Phillips said. "This was a labor and resource intensive animal rescue that I cannot thank the ARL of Iowa and their staff enough for the support and professionalism they provided for the safe rescue and ongoing care of the animals."