Ottumwa police and animal control responded to multiple incidents involving concerns about animal restraint and care at a local residence.
On March 15th at approximately 2:53 p.m., the Ottumwa Police Department and Animal Control were dispatched to the 800 block of West 2nd Street in Ottumwa for a report involving animals running at large.
According to the criminal complaint, officers located three puppies, approximately three months old, roaming freely. The responding officer recognized the animals as belonging to Joume Itto, 36, of Ottumwa. The puppies were taken into custody, and it was determined that Itto had failed to properly restrain them.
Court documents further state that Itto and his wife were responsible for the care of the animals. Itto was also cited for failing to license an adult female dog with the city, as required by local code. He was issued a summons to appear in court.
Authorities returned to the same residence on April 16th at approximately 1:31 p.m. for a second incident.
According to a criminal complaint, Itto was found to have improperly restrained a dog by hitching it with a chain wrapped around a post without the use of a swivel. The dog was tethered too close to another animal and nearby objects, creating a situation where the animals could become tangled and unable to move freely.
Court records also indicate that Itto failed to comply with city and state laws requiring rabies vaccinations. In addition, the animal was reportedly left outdoors for extended periods without access to adequate water or proper shelter.
Itto was again served with a summons to appear in court.
He now faces multiple charges, including restraint of animals (first offense), cruelty to animals (first offense), improper hitching of animals, failure to vaccinate for rabies (third offense within 12 months), confining dogs, and failure to obtain a required dog license. All charges are classified as simple misdemeanors.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
