According to a press release from the Buena Vista County Attorney, two individuals were sentenced in a case of animal neglect. Veronica Lopez Munoz, age 33 of Storm Lake, and Juana Munoz, age 63 of Storm Lake, were sentenced on April 22nd after entering guilty pleas for the crime of animal neglect, a Class D Felony. Both defendants were sentenced to a suspended prison term, and placed on probation with the Iowa Department of Corrections for three years. Both defendants were also ordered to pay over $12,000 in restitution to both the Storm Lake Police Department and Lake Animal Hospital. Back on August 31st, the Storm Lake Police Department assisted the Iowa Department of Corrections with a probation check at 1014 North Michigan Street in Storm Lake. While at the residence, officers observed a total of 13 cats inside and outside the house. Evidence showed residents were supplying both food and water to the animals. The cats were rescued on the scene and transported to Lake Animal Hospital for further evaluation. Two of the cats were suffering from serious illnesses to their eyes. Veronica Lopez Munoz and Juana Munoz were two of three individuals charged in June of last year after authorities removed 50 cats and two dogs from the same residence. Many of the animals were found to be in poor condition, and some of them had to be euthanized due to illness.
