An Ottumwa woman is facing multiple misdemeanor charges following an incident involving two dogs running loose within city limits.
According to a criminal complaint, officers with the Ottumwa Police Department were dispatched to the 100 block of South Cooper Avenue on May 17 in response to an animal violation.
Court documents state that two dogs belonging to 24-year-old Autum Smith-Harrington of Ottumwa were running at large. An officer attempting to capture the dogs was reportedly attacked by one of the animals. Authorities say the dog aggressively lunged at the officer and attempted to bite the officer as officers tried to secure it with a leash.
The complaint further alleges that both dogs continued to pursue the officer before force was used to deter them. One of the dogs also allegedly chased and attacked another individual, resulting in an additional violation of city code.
According to court records, the dogs were eventually located and claimed by Smith-Harrington. Investigators determined the animals were not restrained or under the owner’s control, which is also a violation of city ordinances.
Further investigation revealed that neither dog had a current city license tag. Records show Smith-Harrington had not licensed the dogs for 2026, resulting in additional violations.
A warrant for Smith-Harrington’s arrest was served on June 2. She was taken into custody and transported to the Wapello County Jail before being released on a $300 cash or surety bond.
Smith-Harrington is charged with Dog License Required (First Offense), Rabies Vaccination Required for Dogs or Cats (First Offense), Restraint of Animals (First Offense), and Animals Which Bite (First Offense), all simple misdemeanor offenses.
Editors Note: All information was obtained from court documents related to the ongoing investigation.
