Cops: 43 puppies abused, 2 Iowa men arrested

(MCT) — Forty-three puppies were rescued and two men were arrested Tuesday morning, charged with abusing them in the Little Village neighborhood, police said.

Travis Wester, 22, and Larry Subject, 49, both of Iowa, were each charged with one misdemeanor count of failing to meet animal owner duties and 43 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals, according to a statement from police News Affairs.

About 7 a.m. Tuesday, police saw a suspicious vehicle parked in the 2500 block of West Cermak Road, according to the statement.

An officer also heard loud barking coming from the rear of the vehicle and when they checked it out, found 43 animals in cramped containers, without adequate food or water, the statement said.

They city's Department of Animal Care and Control assisted in the investigation and took custody of the puppies pending further investigation, according to the statement.

Wester and Subject were scheduled to appear in Misdemeanor Court Branch 43 today, 3150 W. Flournoy St.

Although Animal Care is caring for the puppies, they would not become available for adoption until ownership of the animals is handed over to the city by a court, officials said. Anyone wishing to donate items to assist animals at Animal Care's shelter can visit the agency's website, or drop off donations at its office at 2741 S. Western Ave.