PALMER, IA (Northwestiowanow) – Authorities removed 14 dogs from a residence and nearby camper in Palmer, leading to the arrest of four individuals on animal neglect charges.

On Thursday, August 14th, the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Office responded to 117 Main Street at approximately 12:36 p.m. to assist the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and the Moffitt Animal Shelter. The response followed an anonymous tip reporting possible animal neglect at the property.

During the investigation, ten dogs were found living inside the residence. Four additional dogs were discovered in a camper parked nearby. All animals were removed due to unsanitary living conditions.

Four individuals were arrested and charged. Bernadette Tevalan-Hernandez, 61, faces six counts of animal neglect. Grace Gonzalez, 42, was charged with three counts, while Armando Sosa, 51, and Andrea Gonzalez, 19, were each charged with one count.