(Appanoose County, IA) -- A southern Iowa dog breeder is facing charges after four Yorkshire terriers were found living in poor conditions. The dogs were taken from an Appanoose County business called Happy Puppys.
The Sheriff's Office says January 31st, Sommers was arrested and charged with two counts of Animal Neglect with Serious Injury, three counts of Animal Neglect wit Injury, and two counts of Animal Neglect without Injury.
The arrest and charges stem from an investigation that began on January 11, 2023, after the Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of potential animal neglect at the Happy Puppys business.
Two adult dogs and two puppies were taken to a local animal shelter and later taken to an area Humane Society. The dogs were further examined by a licensed Veterinarian who determined that the animals were being neglected, and as a result of the neglect, the animals sustained injuries in violation of Iowa Code 717B.
During the investigation, officials learned that Sommers had previously relinquished other Yorkshire dogs that had sustained injuries as a result of neglect that required surgical procedures.