Unwanted Dogs Dumped in Eastern Iowa Forests

What kind of pet owners would dump their dogs in the middle of a forest?

According to the Des Moines Register, the growing problem is getting worse, not better. At least 30 dogs were recently found roaming in an undisclosed Eastern Iowa forest.

Amy Heinz the CEO of AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport said that her organization is finding dozens of abandoned dogs in forests and remote areas across the state.

The Des Moines Register reports the pet rescue team was able to trap seven dogs from the forest over the weekend using Egg McMuffins, but at least 20 more were still gathered in packs in the forest. Heinz declined to name the forest, fearing people would try to find the dogs.

Several of the rescued dogs have fresh wounds from being attacked by other canines. Volunteers witnessed a dog getting attacked in the forest by another dog. Heinz said many of the rescued dogs were covered in ticks and are being treated for Lyme Disease.

Abandoning pets is illegal in Iowa but is only considered a simple misdemeanor under Iowa state code.

[source: Des Moines Register]