Authorities issue warrant for woman whose animals were seized

UPDATE: Troubles continue to mount for the Cedar Rapids woman who lost dozens of her animals last month, after she did not show up for a court appearance in Iowa County this week.

An arrest warrant has now been issued for Jennifer Wood, 36, who was scheduled to be in court Tuesday on charges of animal cruelty and failing to dispose of animal carcasses.

Iowa County Sheriff Robert Rotter said Wednesday he hopes Wood, whose whereabouts are unknown, will turn herself into authorities.

The charges were filed after authorities found the carcasses of three llamas and a potbellied pig on her farm at 3136 S Ave. near North English. Rotter said it appeared the animals had been dead for at least two months.

Wood voluntarily surrendered custody of seven dogs and two horses that were also on the property.

On Feb. 17, animal control officers took 32 dogs, two cats and a parrot from Wood's home at 308 30

^th

St. Dr. SE in Cedar Rapids. Wood has not yet been charged in the case, as the animals continue to recover at the city animal shelter.

During the seizure, a dead dog was found inside the filthy home, and at least two dogs have required surgery since, authorities said.

Animal Care and Control Manager Diane Webber said Wood eventually will face charges in Cedar Rapids, but was unsure when they will be filed. She said it depends on the care and treatment provided to the animals. A few dogs remain in critical care, she said.

“They're definitely improving, but for a few of them, it's going to be a long haul,” Webber said.

City officials have had no communication with Wood since her animals were seized. Webber said she's received several emails from people who claim Wood is now out of state, possibly in Colorado.

“Nobody knows where to find her right now,” Webber said. “It doesn't surprise me, either. Everything came down on her all at once.”

Webber said Wood has been sent a notice stating that she has 15 days to contact animal control, or she risks losing ownership of the animals. Webber said it is another step to build the case against Wood, by documenting attempts to reach her.

Wood also was forced to close her Hiawatha business, The Puppy Playground, last month, after a state inspector found 60 dogs and 29 cats living in a crowded, unsanitary environment. The animals, which belonged to a rescue group Wood was involved with, have since been relocated to other rescue operations.

The February seizure was the third time animals have been seized from Wood in Cedar Rapids. She had 16 cats, 11 dogs and four rabbits taken away in 1997. Two years later, she had 118 animals – mostly cats, dogs, birds and rats – taken from her home at 1260 Houston Ct. NE.

No charges were filed against Wood, who was then known as Jennifer Hicks, for either incident. She reached an agreement with the city after the 1999 seizure to keep no more than six animals in any residence in Cedar Rapids, according to Gazette archives.

In all, nearly 300 animals in Wood's care have either been taken from her or voluntarily surrendered since 1997, mostly because of unsanitary conditions.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Feb. 23 --
• Feb. 18 --

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Feb. 23 -- Woman has had nearly 300 animals seized
• Feb. 18 -- Officials seize 35 animals from southeast Cedar Rapids home