By: Matt Scher, [email protected]
Rolfe, IA – The Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Office released the following press release today about an arrest involving animal neglect in Rolfe.
“A Rolfe woman was charged with thirty-four counts of animal neglect after a report of domestic violence. On June 22, 2022, at approximately 5:01 PM, law enforcement received a report of a possible domestic disturbance at 204 Walnut St in Rolfe, IA 50581.
Upon law enforcement arrival, the caller stated that there was no assault, but he wanted a subject removed from the residence. Law enforcement then entered the residence to speak with the subject who was identified as Jennifer Leigh Jones Sproston, 51, of Rolfe, Iowa. While inside the residence, law enforcement observed approximately thirty cats and kittens living in unsanitary conditions. The investigation revealed that the cats were without food and water. Law enforcement was advised that Sproston had been bringing and keeping all of the cats inside the residence. Law enforcement then contacted an animal shelter in Humboldt County. The animal shelter provided four large bags of food for the animals. Law enforcement then contacted the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and advised them of the situation. The Animal Rescue League advised that they would be able to rescue the animals within a couple days.
On June 24, law enforcement met with the Animal Rescue League at 204 Walnut St. The Animal Rescue League removed thirty-four cats and kittens from the residence. When the cats and kittens arrived at the Animal Rescue League facility, the veterinary technicians observed several of the cats were thin, and all of them had ear mites and fleas. The veterinary technicians also stated that one cat had an injury to his right ear that appeared to be a bite wound.
Law enforcement requested an arrest warrant for Jennifer Sproston for thirty-four counts of Animal Neglect, all simple misdemeanors. On June 30, Sproston was arrested by the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office and subsequently transported to the Pocahontas County Jail where she is being held on a $10,000 bond. The Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Pocahontas Police Department, Moffitt Animal Shelter, The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Animal Rescue of Carroll, and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in the court of law.”