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Council upholds 'irresponsible animal owner' declaration, gives 30 days to rehome animals
Summary
After an administrative appeal, the Ottumwa City Council affirmed a finding that a resident was an irresponsible animal owner and set a 30‑day period for animals to be removed or rehomed; the decision followed police testimony about repeated loose‑dog incidents and prior citations.
The Ottumwa City Council voted Feb. 17 to affirm an "irresponsible animal owner" declaration against a local resident and gave the owner 30 days to remove or rehome animals registered to his household.
The hearing followed an administrative process under city code section 7‑46 after an initial declaration was issued Nov. 3, 2025. City staff summarized the record and the appellant, identified in the hearing as Larry Leroy Denim Jr., presented testimony asking the council to suspend enforcement while his daughters completed training or found rehoming options.
"We just beg that you let them keep their dogs. If nothing else, suspend this thing," Denim told council, saying his daughters were working on training and licensing the pets.
Officer Daniels testified the police received multiple calls about dogs running loose at the residence and that when officers picked up two dogs the animals bore scratches and blood consistent with fights with local cats. The officer said there were no reports of attacks on people but emphasized repeated noncompliance over the prior 12 months and recommended enforcement.
Council members discussed both the family's circumstances and public safety concerns. Several members cited the history of citations, including two prior dangerous‑animal matters, and stressed the city could not ignore repeated incidents. "Tonight is not the time. A month ago was not the time to start making changes. It was when it first occurred," one council member said during deliberations.
On motions to affirm the administrative determination and to allow 30 days for the animals to be removed or rehomed, the council recorded unanimous votes in favor of both measures. The formal declaration will be put in writing and mailed to the appellant with the 30‑day compliance deadline. Staff said the notice will specify whether animals may be rehomed or must be surrendered and will list an alternative contact identified in appellant paperwork for rehoming options.
The council's action applies to the registered owner(s) as recorded with the city; the mayor and council clarified the declaration attaches to the legal registration even where residents said family members primarily care for the animals.
The council’s action was framed as enforcement of existing local code after multiple prior incidents; the written decision will include timing for removal and next steps for appeal.
