Owner faces charges after 22 dogs, three cats rescued from home

AURORA - Fayette County authorities say 22 dogs and three cats were rescued Wednesday morning and the owner has been charged with 22 counts of of animal neglect.

Susan Rose Purcell–Varnell, 56, of Aurora was arrested and also faces a charge of failing to dispose of dead animal and a commercial breeder license violation. She was taken to the Fayette County Jail where she will appear before a magistrate.

Fayette County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at the home as part of an animal neglect investigation. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Cedar Bend Humane Society, Iowa State University of Science And Technology College of Veterinary medicine and Iowa Department of Agriculture.