A Storm Lake woman was sentenced this week in Buena Vista County District Court on an animal neglect charge.
Two months ago, 27-year-old Mayra Lopez Munoz pleaded guilty to Animal Neglect, a class D felony. On Monday, Lopez Munoz was sentenced to a suspended prison term. She was also placed on probation for three years with the Iowa Department of Corrections.
Lopez Munoz and two other family members were charged after authorities conducted a probation check on August 31st of last year at 1014 North Michigan Street in Storm Lake. A total of 13 cats were observed inside and outside of the house with evidence that they were deprived of food and water. According to a criminal complaint, all of the cats were suffering from upper respiratory infections, fleas, and ear mites. Staff at Lake Animal Hospital determined that two of the cats were suffering from serious illnesses in their eyes. One of the cats, a kitten, suffered permanent disfigurement.
Mayra Lopez Munoz, Juana Munoz, and Veronica Lopez Munoz were all charged with 2nd Offense Animal Neglect Resulting in Serious Injury. Two years ago, all three women were charged after officers captured and removed 50 cats and two dogs from the home. Many of the animals were living in poor conditions. Some of them had to be euthanized due to illness.
As part of her sentence this week, Mayra Lopez Munoz was also ordered to pay over 12 thousand dollars in restitution to both the Storm Lake Police Department and Lake Animal Hospital. The money will also be owed by the other co-defendants once they are sentenced at a later date.
