ARL Humane Action Network

IN THE NEWS: IA - ARL caring for nearly 400 neglected animals after Marshall County rescue; horse, chickens euthanized

"The ARL’s rescue team worked into the evening, making multiple trips to bring animals to the organization’s Second Chance Ranch and Rescue Intake & Rehabilitation Center. Colvin said the ARL had been near capacity after a year of frequent large-scale intakes. The ranch, which the organization bought two years ago, helped make room for the rescued animals.

About 200 chickens were among those taken in. Colvin said many had mites and were thin, missing feathers, with some depleted of body fat. Staff treated the chickens for mites and are providing food and water as they regain strength."

ARL caring for nearly 400 neglected animals after Marshall County rescue; horse, chickens euthanized The Animal Rescue League is caring for hundreds of animals rescued from a Marshall County property. Now, it needs supplies and volunteers to help with their recovery.

OPINION: DC - 60 years of the Animal Welfare Act and dogs are still suffering

"The federal government should prevent these horrific outcomes, not allow animals to continue in these conditions for months if not years.

The Department of Agriculture licensed Iowa breeder Wuanita Swedlund three years ago. In the time since, the agency documented dogs at her facility suffering from untreated illnesses, painful injuries, and a lack of basic care, leading to multiple deaths. But the department chose to do nothing. It did not fine her, remove any dogs, or take her license away."

60 years of the Animal Welfare Act and dogs are still suffering ASPCA senior vice president Nancy Perry argues that Congress must pass Goldie’s Act to address the USDA’s chronic failure to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and protect dogs from systemi…

IN THE NEWS: IA - DSM man accused of dragging dog out car window by leash pleads guilty to lesser charges

"A Des Moines man accused of dragging his dog on a leash out of a car window has pleaded guilty to lesser charges.

In June, 60-year-old Patrick Cornick was arrested and charged with animal torture-first offense, possession of a controlled substance – ma*****na – second offense, and operating while under the influence – first offense."

DSM man accused of dragging dog out car window by leash pleads guilty to lesser charges DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines man accused of dragging his dog on a leash out of a car window has pleaded guilty to lesser charges. In June, 60-year-old Patrick Cornick was arrested and char…

IN THE NEWS: NE - Dog found duct-taped in dumpster finds forever home after two years at Nebraska Humane Society

"In 2024, he was found wrapped in duct-tape and thrown in a dumpster.

He wasn't hurt too badly, but he's spent the past two years at the Nebraska Humane Society making friends with all of the staff and volunteers."

'Congratulations to Leo': Dog found duct-taped in Omaha dumpster finds forever home A dog found duct-taped in a dumpster in Omaha has a forever home after two years at the Nebraska Humane Society.

IN THE NEWS: IA - Iowa City woman convicted in torture, neglect of dogs

"An Iowa City woman faces up to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to torturing and neglecting dogs.

Rhoda Gorvin, 34, pleaded Sept. 16 in Johnson County District Court to five charges of animal torture causing serious injury or death and three charges of animal neglect causing serious injury or death, according to a plea agreement."

Iowa City woman convicted in torture, neglect of dogs An Iowa City woman who tortured and neglected dogs was convicted and faces up to 12 years in prison.

IN THE NEWS: IA - Iowa breeder pleads not guilty to 31 counts of animal neglect, trial set for 2027

"A trial date has been scheduled after an Iowa dog breeder pleaded not guilty to more than 30 counts of animal neglect.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office announced in July that Wuanita Swedlund, 35, of Farmington, had been charged with 31 counts of animal neglect following a search of her property. Court records say 24 charges were filed as Simple Misdemeanors, while seven were charged as Serious Misdemeanors."

Iowa breeder pleads not guilty to 31 counts of animal neglect, trial set for 2027 VAN BUREN COUNTY, Iowa — A trial date has been scheduled after an Iowa dog breeder pleaded not guilty to more than 30 counts of animal neglect. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office ann…

IN THE NEWS: IA - Cedar Rapids City Council advances ‘community cat’ proposal

"Cedar Rapids City Council members on Tuesday gave preliminary approval for a wide swath of updates to the city code about stray cats and other animals in what was the first of three votes on the updated language.

The most significant change was the addition and definition of “community cats,” meaning unowned, free-roaming felines that meet certain veterinary requirements such as being sterilized and vaccinated against disease."

Cedar Rapids City Council advances ‘community cat’ proposal Updated code language would formally allow for trap-neuter-return efforts to reduce stray cat populations.

IN THE NEWS: IA - Des Moines man charged with animal abuse for allegedly pepper-spraying fenced-in dogs

"A Des Moines man has been charged with one count of animal abuse after allegedly spraying pepper spray at two dogs.

Andre Guay, 69, was booked into the Polk County Jail on the charge, a serious misdemeanor, Sunday night. Online court records state the incident happened in November of 2025 in the 1300 block of McKinley Avenue in the city’s Watrous South neighborhood."

Des Moines man charged with animal abuse for allegedly pepper-spraying fenced-in dogs DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines man has been charged with one count of animal abuse after allegedly spraying pepper spray at two dogs. Andre Guay Andre Guay, 69, was booked into the Polk Coun…

IN THE NEWS: NY - Troopers stop truck hauling horses bound for Canadian slaughterhouse

"A Pennsylvania truck driver is facing charges after police say they stopped him with a trailer of horses that were being taken to Canada to be slaughtered.

According to the New York State Humane Association, multiple horses were being transported from Pennsylvania through New York to a slaughter facility in Quebec."

Troopers stop truck hauling horses bound for Canadian slaughterhouse A Pennsylvania truck driver is facing charges after police say they stopped him with a trailer of horses that were being taken to be slaughtered.

IN THE NEWS: IA - Animal-welfare group expands lawsuit over puppy laundering, USDA enforcement

"An animal-welfare organization that is suing the federal government over an alleged failure to enforce regulations against dog breeders in Iowa and elsewhere is now seeking to expand its lawsuit.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals filed its original lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture in September 2024, challenging the USDA’s decision to license three Iowa dog breeders — Steve Kruse, Brian Lichirie and Wuanita Swedlund."

Animal-welfare group expands lawsuit over puppy laundering, USDA enforcement • Iowa Capital Dispatch An animal-welfare group is expanding its lawsuit against the USDA over an alleged failure to enforce regulations against Iowa dog breeders.