DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines woman is facing multiple animal neglect charges after police say dozens of animals were found suffering from a flea infestation in her home.
Julia Ann Leverich, 66, was arrested on Thursday and charged with six counts of animal neglect with injury, all serious misdemeanors.
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According to criminal complaints, officers found 20 dogs and one cat in her home located in the 1400 block of East 36th Court last week. The animals were evaluated by a veterinarian, who determined that the animals were suffering from a flea infestation, the complaint states. Some animals also showed signs of other medical issues.
Officers also noted that “the floor of the home was covered in urine and feces resulting in unsanitary living conditions for the animals,” in the complaint.
Court records show that Leverich was released from the Polk County Jail on a $6,000 surety bond. A preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled…