Animals Found In Filthy Conditions In Iowa

June 30, 2009:  Des Moines, Iowa--Officials said a mother and son in Ottumwa were found living among filth, trash, and diseased animals.

Police know of at least 15 diseased cats living in an Ottumwa home and they said there could be as many as 30, they just can't find them all.

Janet Jackson, 59, and her adult dependent son lived there.

Police said Jackson has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty and one count of poor sanitation on the premises.

Photos: Animals Found In Filthy Conditions

Records show this is not the worst case of animal hoarding Ottumwa police have seen in their town.

Since February 2008, 30 animals have been rescued from a building not far from the Jackson home. In the past year and a half, nearly 250 animals have had to be rescued from squalor in separate incidents in Ottumwa.

There is no law in Ottumwa limiting the number of animals in one home.

Ottumwa police chief Jim Clark said it happens in every town, "I don't think setting a limit is going to keep people from hoarding."

Clark said the Jacksons are getting help but he wouldn't elaborate on the whereabouts.

Police have set up live traps to catch the cats in the Jackson's home. Police said the cats they've already rescued have had to be put to sleep becuase there were in such bad shape..."  More