Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Ironwood animal abuse complaint investigated

By RALPH ANSAMI

[email protected]

Ironwood — A walk-in complaint from an Ironwood citizen concerning a residence with too many dogs was investigated by the Ironwood Public Safety Department and has been turned over to the county animal control officer.

According to a Thursday IPSD report, the walk-in complainant said there were at least 10 dogs at the residence, alleging animal cruelty.

When IPSD officer James Weber investigated the situation at the East Harding Street house, however, the 43-year-old woman who lives there said she takes care of as many as 18 dogs at a time.

The woman resides at the house with her 26-year-old son, according to the report.

“It was the most foul stench I have ever experienced,” Weber wrote in his report.

The officer saw two adult dogs at the house and was told there were 12 puppies there.

He gathered some evidence, but did not check out the entire house because he said the smell was too pungent.

There were bags of oozing feces around the house and a large pool in the house appeared to be urine, according to the officer’s report.

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department and court officials were notified of the health hazards that were encountered there.

The initial complainant said there were “fleas and feces” everywhere at the residence.

According to the IPSD report, another complaint about the residence had been received on Sept. 14.

The animal control officer works for the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department.

 
 
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