(DES MOINES, Iowa) A Des Moines man is charged with animal neglect, accused of repeatedly punching his dog with a closed fist.
Thirty-two-year-old Willard Street was arrested over the weekend. Animal Control Officers removed three dogs from Street's property. Street's also charged with two counts of failure to license a pet. The dogs are currently in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
The ARL has been working with state lawmakers on legislation to strengthen punishments for animal abusers, specifically for companion animals living as pets.
The Senate version of the bill (SF421) passed out of the judiciary committee last week. Its companion bill (HSB608) is scheduled to be debated in a House subcommittee meeting Tuesday morning.