Humane Society Issues Comments on Chickasaw County Animal Neglect Investigation

Kristy Gardner, Executive Director of Cedar Bend Humane Society issued a statement on Facebook:

Cedar Bend Humane Society assisted the Chickasaw County Sheriff and New Hampton Vet Clinic Monday in removing 23 dogs and 5 cats from a residential hoarding situation. Animals inside the home were kept in deplorable conditions; some living in crates and others loose in the home. These unsanitary conditions were by far one of the worst we have ever witnessed.

The 28 rescued animals arrived at the shelter covered in feces and urine with the smell being nearly unbearable. We did all we could to

give them a clean and comfortable first night with us and are giving them Tuesday to decompress as many of them are terrified. We suspect that many of these poor souls have not been outside of their crates or the home in a very long time. We will then begin the process of evaluating each one to determine their individual medical needs and make sure they all receive a good bath and grooming and begin immediate parasite treatments. They do appear as though they had been regularly fed and are at a good weight, however, the filth they were living in was truly heartbreaking.

Their breeds, sizes, and ages all vary. Over half of them are seniors,

making finding loving homes for them as soon as they’re medically able more crucial. CBHS is committed to giving each one of them the care, love, and advocation they deserve until they are able to experience life outside of filth and confinement.

Each of these 28 animals has lived through a horrendous ordeal and we need your help to ensure their future is filled with hope, love, soft warm beds, and a loving family. The medical needs of each one will vary and it will be a tremendous hit on the shelter’s limited resources.

They all suffer from internal parasites (roundworms, whipworms & tapeworms) and fleas, and many will need to be spayed or neutered. During their arrival, we noticed tumors, poor dental, and some struggling to walk properly. We are sure we will discover other medical ailments once our veterinarian and medical team are able to evaluate each animal individually.

Cedar Bend Humane Society has the physical supplies necessary, but what we are lacking are the immediate funds to provide all of the medical care they will require. Any amount, big or small, is appreciated to help us, help them all.

A heartfelt thank you to the Chickasaw County authorities and Hampton Vet Clinic for their great efforts in rescuing these pets in need.

Here is our original story on the investigation:

Authorities are investigating possible animal neglect at a farm about 15 miles northwest of New Hampton.

The Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office says they received a report of alleged animal neglect shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, at 1660 130th Street, Alta Vista. Deputies responded to the address, owned by Dianne Williams, met with Derek Burton, who lives at the address, and an investigation was conducted over the next four days.  

On Monday, Williams voluntarily surrendered all animals on the property to the custody of the Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office. Shortly before 2:30 p.m. Monday, a search warrant was executed, resulting in 23 dogs, five cats being removed from the residence and were turned over to the custody of the Cedar Bend Humane Society of Waterloo. 

Four deceased dogs were also removed from the property and authorities continue to work to find placement of geese, ducks and chickens also located on the property. 

No arrests have been made and criminal charges are pending at this time as the investigation continues.

The New Hampton Vet Clinic, Chickasaw County Rescue Squad, Alta Vista Fire Department and the Chickasaw County Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.