Iowa City Animal Services Rescues Over 200 Birds During Investigation

An Iowa City man may be facing charges after authorities found over 200 neglected birds on his property.

The Iowa City Press-Citizen reported that the birds were found on a piece of property southeast of Solon belonging to 70-year-old Francis J. Prohaska of Iowa City. Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek said there were more than 20 crates, kennels, and small sheds on the land containing the birds. "I don’t know that I’m an animal professional, but I would consider this gentleman a hoarder," Pulkrabek said.

From the Press-Citizen:

Animal Services is now caring for 110 ducks and geese, 76 chickens and 49 pigeons... The animals are being restored to health and will be evaluated for adoption soon.

This is not the first time Prohaska has had a run in with Animal Services. In April 2016, Iowa City police found an abandoned U-Haul van that belonged to him containing 62 ducks. Prohaska avoided charges when he turned the ducks over for rescue. The Johnson County Sheriff's office is continuing to investigate this latest neglect and will determine if charges need to be filed.