Hoarding - 15 dogs, 20 cats, 2 horses, 1 snake
Meservey, IA (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Jan 24, 2006
County: Cerro Gordo

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Pamela D. Hilge

Overcrowding at a local animal shelter worsens because of a case of animal cruelty. On January 24, 15 dogs, 20 cats, 2 horses and a snake were taken from a house in Meservey.

Franklin County Sheriff Larry Richtsmeier says the animal's owner, Pam Hilge, has skipped town.

Ten dogs were taken to the Humane Society of North Iowa.

�Most of them went up into the kennel very easily, even the ones that were a little shy, as soon as they knew that there was food and friendly people involved, they were ready to go,� says Tracy.

After a quick check from the vet, Tracy will start looking for temporary homes.

She says, �Most of these dogs will be placed into foster care to be worked with a little bit and then hopefully we'll have people who are wanting to adopt.� 

According to court records, Hilge's already been charged with operating a kennel or animal shelter without a license...a simple misdemeanor.

She never showed up for her court date, prompting the Tuesday raid.

In this case, she can be charged with contempt of court and with animal neglect or cruelty which is also a simple misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

The other dogs, cats, horses and the snake went to animal shelters in Des Moines and Boone County.

There are still three cats at the house that rescuers couldn't catch. They plan on going back tomorrow to try again.

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