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(Des Moines, IA) -- The former owner of a Des Moines pet store is pleading guilty charges of animal neglect.
Court records show 64 year-old Michael Jensen was taken into custody in March after an inspection of Aqualand Pets Plus found two dead lizards and many animals not receiving proper care. Following his arrest, Jensen surrendered over a dozen animals later found to be in poor health. Jensen originally pleaded not guilty to charges of animal neglect, but during a plea hearing, he changed his plea to guilty.
Jensen pled guilty to three counts of animal neglect, two of which involve death or serious injury. He will pay a fine of $2,140 and be placed on probation for two years, during which he is not allowed to own animals. He's also required to complete an eight hour animal cruelty course and complete a psychological evaluation. Jensen had been previously, pleading guilty in 2024 to improper care and treatment of animals.