Owner forfeits 88 animals taken from Sac County

CEDAR RAPIDS -- The owner of the 87 dogs and one cat taken from allegedly "deplorable conditions" in Sac County two weeks ago surrendered the animals to animal shelters across the state Friday morning.

According to a news release, officials expect to file criminal charges against Mary Brodersen, who was keeping the animals on a farmstead in rural Sac County.

She was also ordered to reimburse Sac County with $25,359.52 for the cost of care and maintenance of the animals.

The animals were taken Jan. 25, and split among shelters across the state to mitigate costs. Eighteen of the Cocker Spaniels were rehabilitated and will remain at the Cedar Valley Humane Society in Cedar Rapids, 7411 Mount Vernon Rd. SE., until adoption.

Two weeks ago, shelter officials said the dogs showed up with matted fur covered in feces. They said the dogs also suffered from ear and eye infections, lesions and sores, fleas, skin conditions, and severe dental diseases.

Jan Clarke, communications director for the Cedar Valley Humane Society, said Friday the dogs have improved "vastly" after treatments and care.

"Just like people, when they start feeling better, their personalities start shining through," she said.

Staff is continuing to treat the dogs for lingering skin, ear, and eye infections, said shelter supervisor Lyndee Fuessley, but they "smell a lot better and look a lot better."

As the dogs are neutered or spayed and given dental work, the shelter will start putting them up for adoption one by one. Some may be available for adoption in the next couple weeks, Clarke said.

"If you'd like to adopt these dogs, they're going to need a little extra TLC," Clarke said. "They're not used to being part of a family, but they're all very sweet."

Clarke said those interested in adoption should go to the society's website at www.cvhumane.org. The dogs will appear on a list as they become available.

Sac County Attorney Ben Smith said he couldn't specify on the record what charges the county expects to file against Brodersen, and that the rescue and surrender of the animals was the first concern.

Smith said that in cases of neglect involving "pet" animals like dogs and cats, charges can be filed for each individual animal.

After spending two weeks bringing the dogs back to health, Clarke said Friday "it would be hard to imagine the owner getting off scott-free."

"Hopefully there will be some repercussions for the people who kept these animals," she said.