On Thursday, Feb.10, the Muscatine Police Department seized a total of 42 dogs from a mobile home located at 150 Main Street in Fruitland. On Thursday, Feb. 24, the Muscatine Police Department charged both Douglas Elshoff, age 65, and Karen Elshoff, age 61, in connection with the investigation. The department charged both Douglas and Karen Elshoff with 42 counts of animal neglect, in accordance with Iowa Code Section 717B.3. They were released on a promise to appear in court, and are innocent until proven guilty.
Douglas and Karen Elshoff had previously signed over custody of all 42 dogs to the Muscatine Humane Society voluntarily. The Muscatine Humane Society, 920 South Houser Street, Muscatine, Iowa continues to house and treat the dogs.