(Storm Lake)– Two people have been sentenced on animal neglect charges in a case out of Buena Vista county. 33-year-old Veronica Lopez Munoz and 63-year-old Juana Munoz both of Storm Lake, pleaded guilty to charges of animal neglect, a Class D Felony. Both were sentenced to a suspended prison term, and placed on probation with the Iowa Department of Corrections for three years. They were also ordered to pay over $12,000 in restitution to both the Storm Lake Police Department and Lake Animal Hospital.
Back on August 31st, the Storm Lake Police Department assisted the Iowa Department of Corrections with a probation check at 1014 North Michigan Street in Storm Lake. While at the residence, officers observed a total of 13 cats living in poor condition inside and outside the house. The cats were rescued on the scene and transported to Lake Animal Hospital for further evaluation. Two of the cats were suffering from serious illnesses to their eyes.
Veronica Lopez Munoz and Juana Munoz were two of three individuals charged in June of last year after authorities removed 50 cats and two dogs from the same residence. Many of the animals were found to be in poor condition, and some of them had to be euthanized due to illness.
(Courtesy Community First Broadcasting station KAYL in Storm Lake)
