Oelwein judge charged with animal neglect

OELWEIN - Search warrants served this week revealed that 14 horses were suffering from neglect at two properties owned by a 62-year-old Oelwein magistrate, authorities said.

Fayette County Sheriff Martin Fisher said deputies served two search warrants Wednesday at 8586 and 9289 N Ave. in Oelwein, after the state Division of Criminal Investigation received an anonymous call reporting possible animal neglect.

A news release said deputies entered the properties, owned by Larry F. Woods, with the assistance of a local veterinarian to check the welfare of the horses. Between the two sites they determined that 11 adult horses and three foals were suffering from various levels of neglect, Fisher said.

Eight of the animals were taken off-site for treatment, the release said, while the other six are receiving veterinary care at the farms.

Deputies said they also discovered the remains of two horses that had not been disposed of properly. One of those bodies was found in a barn that was also housing live horses, Fisher said.

Woods is being charged with two counts of animal neglect and two counts of duty to dispose of deceased animal bodies, all simple misdemeanors. A court date had not yet been set Thursday.

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