New homes found for many of seized animals

CEDAR RAPIDS - Dozens of dogs that were put up for adoption Wednesday are quickly getting new homes.

The animals' former owner, Jennifer Wood, 36, had been charged with 35 counts of animal abuse and two counts of keeping animals in unhealthy and unsanitary conditions after officials seized 32 dogs, two cats and a parrot from her home at 308 30th St. Dr. SE on Feb. 17.

After two days of graphic trial testimony, Wood pleaded guilty Wednesday to 35 counts of unhealthy or unsanitary conditions, and the other charges were dismissed. Animal control officers testified that her home “was pretty appalling,” with feces and urine covering much of the flooring and all 35 animals living inside, many in cages or kennels. A veterinarian said two of the dogs were in severe physical condition.

Wood also agreed last week to surrender most of the animals to Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control so the shelter could start adopting them out; as of Saturday, about half of them remained. Shelter Director Diane Webber said business has picked up since word spread that the animals were up for adoption.

“I'm just absolutely delighted that these animals are getting the new chance at life that they deserve in a comfortable home where they can get one-on-one attention,” she said.

During May, Webber said, spayed or neutered dogs can be adopted for a discounted fee of $75.