Tammy Jo Gowin, 40, and her spouse Larry Dean Gowin, 61, both of 31100 653rd Ave. #36, Maxwell, have been arrested and charged with animal neglect in the case, a simple misdemeanor.
Tammy Gowin has also been charged with abandonment of dogs, which is also a simple midemeanor.
Chief Deputy Barry Thomas of the Story County Sheriff's Office said the tip that led investigators to the pair came from a person who'd previously owned the two dogs. Deputies then questioned the Gowins, who reportedly both made admissions to certain elements of the crime.
Thomas said the Gowins claimed they weren't able to afford food for the dogs, so they abandoned them.
The two dogs were found near wire cages north of Maxwell in the ditch of a gravel road near 305th St. A resident who lived nearby called Story County Animal Control. The male dog was found at around 12:45 p.m., and the female was found at 3:55 p.m.
[NOTE: Some news reports say the dogs were found INSIDE the cages. However, others say the dogs had managed to tear their way out of the cages, but hadn't the strength to leave the immediate area.]
Both dogs were taken to the Story County Animal Shelter for treatment. They were described as being in an extremely emaciated state with overgrown nails, and were unable to stand or walk for extended periods of time without assistance.
Animal Control officials said the state of the dogs was the result of long-term neglect and abuse. Both dogs were found to be at about half the weight they should have been. It is believed that they would have died if they had not been found when they were.
According to an update on the treatment of the dog on the Story County Animal Shelter's facebook page, the two animals are improving following veterinary care and feedings of low-residue food.
Both Tammy and Larry Gowin are currently being held at the Story County Jail.
The maximum penalty for a simple misdemeanor is a fine between $50 and $500 and up to 30 days in jail.
Larry Gowin has a long criminal history that includes assault and criminal mischief. He’s also on the Sex Offender Registry for sex crimes against a child. -- msnbc
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| Photos: Story County Animal Shelter |
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