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The Ottumwa City Council held an administrative hearing Tuesday at Ottumwa City Hall regarding resident Larry Leroy Denham Jr. and his designation as an “irresponsible animal owner.”
Denham appealed the city’s decision, which stemmed from multiple dog-related incidents. Under city code, the designation applies to owners who plead guilty to or are convicted of three violations within a 12-month period, including animals running at large, neglect, or abuse.
City officials reported that between November 2024 and April 2025, three dogs escaped Denham’s property, along with an additional violation involving dangerous animals. Denham filed a written appeal in January citing recent family losses and stating he had been working to register the dogs as emotional support animals.
According to city officials, Denham received code violation letters but did not follow through with the required corrective actions. Dan Reid told Denham that keeping the dogs contained is the responsibility of adults, not children. Denham stated that his teenage daughters had been training the dogs.
Officer Daniels of the Ottumwa Police Department reported the dogs had been seen running toward people and killing neighborhood cats. He said he observed scratches and blood on the dogs’ faces and had received multiple calls about them. Daniels added that he believed the situation should have been addressed earlier and felt it was now too late to correct the issue.
Records show two violations involving the dogs occurred in April 2025. Following discussion, the city council voted unanimously to give Denham 30 days to either surrender or rehome the three dogs. The council upheld the designation, officially deeming Denham an irresponsible animal owner.
If the designation remains in effect, Denham will be prohibited from owning animals within city limits, face a minimum $100 fine, and any animals found in his possession could be seized and either adopted out or euthanized.
Full agenda is available here: https://www.ottumwa.us/government/mayor_and_city_council/agendas_minutes.php
