FOUND GUILTY & SENTENCED!
The men pictured below were found guilty of breaking into the Humane Society of NW Iowa in April, 2010. Patrick Lahr was found "guilty of Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree, an aggravated misdemeanor." He was sentenced to a term of incarceration not to exceed two years in the state penitentiary with all but 10 days suspended. He was also placed on probation for a period of two years. Lahr has been ordered to pay restitution.
Spenser Taylor and Zachery Koepp were each found guilty of "Aiding and Abetting Criminal Mischief in the 3rd degree." Both Koepp and Taylor received a sentence of 2 years probation and were ordered to pay restitution.
1/26/11 - According to the January 26, 2011 edition of the Dickinson County News, "Two of the three men charged in connection with a Milford animal shelter break-in have entered guilty pleas and await sentencing at the Dickinson County Courthouse." The two men who submitted their guilty pleas are Spenser Taylor and Zachary Koepp. They are scheduled for sentencing on February 17, 2011. The third man, Patrick Scot Lahr, faces the most serious charge of third degree burglary, a Class D felony. As of January 26th, he had not entered a plea.
10/18/10 - Zachary Koepp & Spenser Taylor will have their preliminary hearings October 26th. Pat Lahr already had his preliminary hearing where he pled not-guilty. Trial dates have not yet been set. Check back here for more updates.
KONGO IS HOME!!!!!!
5/2/10 - In the early morning hours of May 2nd, we brought Kongo back to the shelter ALIVE AND WELL! A little worse for the wear, he is skinny and dirty. We have cleaned 45 ticks off him and he has a few cuts and scratches, but he appears to be otherwise healthy and ready to give up the life of the wild. According to what we learned yesterday, he has been on his own for at least two weeks, running the river bottom and surviving the best he could. We carefully laid a plan that took four people strategically placed and caught him at 6:30 a.m. There was no happier feeling. We felt like we had caught the BIG fish this Walleye Weekend!
Kongo will be in foster care and unavailable for adoption until further notice. He needs a little time to recover from this traumatic experience.
Thanks to Dino Ulrich and all his neighbors for the information that helped us map out Kongo's territory. Thanks to Eldon Kraninger for letting us know where he was and to the Johnsons for their reports as well.
This case is ongoing and being investigated by the Milford Police Department 712-336-2525. We continue to offer a $6,000 reward for the information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who broke into the HSNWIA. We are very sad about Harley and the person who took his life needs to be held accountable to us and to all of the people who have expressed their concern and offered their help. Please, help us achieve justice. LET'S GET 'EM!
4/13/10 - Some time during the night of April 11-12th, someone broke into the Humane Society and stole the 2 dogs pictured below. The Australian Shepherd "Harley" was a 1 year
old male. HARLEY WAS FOUND DEAD. He was was killed with a shotgun and dumped in a ditch. Some caring, kind people have come forward and are offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who broke into the Humane Society of NW Iowa. We hope Kongo is still alive and that he will be found and safely returned to us. Kongo is a 6 month old unneutered male Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Sweet Harley's chance of a good life - cruelly eliminated with the blast of a shot gun!
If you have any information to help find the person(s) who broke into the HSNWIA, call the Milford Police Dept 712 336-2525, your local police department or the Humane Society of NW Iowa 712 338-2738. This is a hideous crime of cruelty that cries for justice! Please help us! Do not let Harley's death go as if it never mattered. Help us.
Kate Whitrock,
Executive Director
Harley's Fund
We have set up a fund in Harley's memory. These monies will go to upgrade Shelter security and to care for the animals in our care. You will be acknowledged on Harley's Memorial page. You can also send a donation to 607 28th Street, Milford, IA, 51351or drop it off at the shelter during open hours. Click on this button to donate to Harley's Fund now:
Thank-you: