Meet the foster parents of animals recently rescued from an animal neglect case in Muscatine

MUSCATINE, Iowa (KWQC) – More than 60 animals were seized from a home near Muscatine in June as part of an ongoing animal neglect case, but they are now free and able to find new homes.

Last week, TV6 reported that authorities had released the animals into custody of a Muscatine animal shelter, meaning their network of foster parents can begin the process of bringing them home and preparing them for adoption.

The Muscatine County Sheriff's Office said dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, rats and a turtle were found in inadequate living conditions. Some animals lacked water and food and the ground was covered in urine and feces.

And for the past two months, most of the surviving animals have been cared for by It Takes A Village, an animal shelter in Muscatine.

Now the shelter’s network of foster parents is trying to prepare the animals for the search for a “forever” home.

After being rescued from a shelter accused of neglect and weeks of legal uncertainty, the more than 60 animals involved in the case are finally getting a chance to live freely in a loving home.

“Now these dogs are playing, eating and just being there, living a real life. And when they go into foster homes, they can get used to real people, get real care and get to know real environments,” says kennel technician Griffin Koehler.

It Takes A Village has a network of foster parents who have already helped out, including Sarah Evans, who took in a dog who was considered emaciated after allegedly being used for breeding far too often.

“She really didn't want anything other than dirty water, like the kind that collected under the grill or wherever rainwater had been sitting,” Evans said. “And so we had to teach her to like fresh water because of the circumstances she came from.”

Evans has been helping to care for and adopt animals at It Takes A Village since it opened in 2021.

These efforts will continue with her new foster dog, whom she has named Poppy.

“Last night she climbed right into our bed for the first time, which our other dog was a little upset about, but that's okay because we didn't mind,” Evans said.

Poppy has already shown signs of a rapid recovery under Evans' care.

“She's made really great progress in terms of her socialization, her health, her weight, and her coat has even gotten better. Her ribs aren't sticking out anymore, so we're pretty proud of her,” Evans said.

Caring for animals that have had traumatic experiences can be difficult.

But foster parents like Allison Phelps, who cares for one of the rescued rabbits, say it's worth it.

“Angora rabbits probably need a little more grooming than short-haired rabbits, but it's really fun to figure out all these different things,” Phelps said. “And I love grooming animals, so yeah, it doesn't scare me.”

Bethany Sharp also helps care for two rabbits.

“Seeing them happy in their new home and knowing that you've helped them become the real animals they are and brought them out of their shells, that's what makes the difference,” Sharp said.

Many of the animals still need to be neutered or spayed and It Takes A Village is raising money to make this possible.

Visit the website or Facebook page to find out how you can donate and what fundraisers are currently running.

Last month, 44-year-old Kelly Adams of Muscatine was arrested and charged with six counts of animal neglect resulting in serious injury or death and 61 counts of animal neglect.

Adams pleaded not guilty and waived her right to a speedy trial.

A preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for November 12.

In the meantime, a court order prohibits Adams from acquiring, owning, caring for and/or living with animals of any kind.

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