07-05-2025
Dogs found in red-tagged Sioux City home; Teenagers may face charges for fake dog rescue
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)– A group of teenagers could face charges of animal neglect and abandonment after they were found to be running an illegal dog rescue.
According to officials with the Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue Center (SCAARC), they received a call regarding dogs in a red-tagged home on the 4200 block of West 23rd Street in Sioux City. Officials entered the property and found six dogs.
'There was no dog food at this location. We didn't find any bowls out for water or anything like that,' Cindy Rarrat with SCAARC said. 'Through our investigation, we have impounded eight animals that were taken in by these individuals as a rescue, parading themselves as a rescue.'
SCAARC worked with the Sioux City Police Department to locate the teenagers behind the dog shelter. The investigation is ongoing, but Rarrat said she intends to press charges.
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Three of the eight dogs were microchipped and have been returned to their original owners, who came from Moville, Fort Dodge, and Des Moines and surrendered their dogs to what they thought was a trustworthy rescue.
'These people were scammed into believing that this was a reputable rescue that they were getting their dog sent to. And it was not,' Rarrat said. 'You have to have a location. You have to have shelter. You have to have food and water and the vaccinations. You have to have them fixed per state law. When you do adopt them, you have to have the appropriate paperwork per state law.'
Rarrat want this situation to serve as a reminder to always verify a shelter before you give up your pet.
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'If you are going to give up your animal, make sure it's a reputable organization and you have researched,' Rarrat said. 'And basically, if your gut tells you it's not good, it's probably not a good rescue.'
Charges are still pending against the teens. KCAU 9 will update this story as more information is available.
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