A Farmington woman is now facing 31 animal-neglect charges following the removal of animals from her breeding operation last month.
Van Buren County Sheriff Brad Hudson says charges were filed Wednesday against 35-year-old Wuanita N. Swedlund. Seven counts are serious misdemeanors, while the remaining 24 are simple misdemeanors.
The charges are connected to a search warrant executed June 30th at Swedlund’s Farmington residence. Animals seized during that operation have since been permanently removed from Swedlund’s ownership and placed in the care of PAW Animal Shelter in Fort Madison by order of the Van Buren County District Court.
A judge previously found that the animals had been neglected through a lack of appropriate food, drinkable water, sanitary conditions, properly ventilated shelter and necessary veterinary care.
The seizure followed a federal lawsuit accusing Swedlund of repeatedly denying USDA inspectors access to the facility. Swedlund previously disputed the allegations, saying all of her animals were healthy and that she was treated unfairly.
The USDA, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and PAW Animal Shelter assisted with the operation.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and Swedlund is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.