20 animals taken from home where woman is suspected of killing dog

Twenty animals were seized Friday from unclean habitats in the home of an Ames woman who is accused of performing surgery on her dog there, which resulted in the dog's death.

Sarah Diane McMenanim, 26, was arrested on a charge of animal neglect causing death, court records show. The dog, Bolt, died after McMenanim cut into it with a paring knife and tongs to remove an object on June 1 in the 2800 block of Arbor Street, court records allege.

McMenanim did not immediately admit to having other animals, but a search warrant was obtained and officials from the Ames Police Department and Ames Animal Shelter found three dogs, two cats, six guinea pigs, five rabbits, two salamanders and two geckos, Ames Animal Shelter Supervisor Ron Edwards said. 

They are all receiving care at the shelter.

Cages and aquariums were "completely impacted with feces and urine" in the home, Edwards said. Some rabbits have discoloration from laying in feces and animals are being checked for irritation and scalding from laying in urine, Edwards said. None are in critical condition.

"The conditions were just so unacceptable we had to take action," he said. "I don't think it's habitable for humans, much less for animals."

Related:Ames woman suspected of killing dog during home surgery

The animals may have been being used for breeding with the intention of being sold on Craigslist and Facebook, Edwards said. Ames police spokesman Cmdr. Geoff Huff said McMenanim had advertised dogsitting services online.

McMenanim signed all animals over to the shelter other than the dogs and cats but would be required to pass an inspection to get them back, Edwards said. Others will be up for adoption after cleaning and medical checks.

The shelter was closed Saturday in response to the influx of animals.

"It’s been a challenge, but I’m going to make sure our staff is providing the best care to them," Edwards said. "They deserve better and they are going to get better.”

The shelter, located at 325 Billy Sunday Road in Ames, is taking donations to care for the animals. Donors can call  515-239-5530 to arrange a donation. 

Items requested include gift cards to Theisen's, Walmart, Brekke's and Treats on a Leash, according to a Facebook post.

The most urgent donation needed is paper guinea pig and rabbit bedding, Edwards said. Other items needed include rabbit play tunnels, alfalfa cubes, timothy hay, towels, sheets and high-quality cat and guinea pig food. Specific brands of animal food requested are listed in the Facebook post.