On February 22 detectives with the Lee County Criminal Investigations Division executed a search warrant at the home of David and Gina Sams, rural Argyle. The search was in connection with reports of animal neglect. During this initial investigation several type of animals were found on the property. A veterinarian examined the animals and the Sams were told to clean up the property. They were also instructed to start removing some of the animals from the property to assure the remaining animals could be taken care of properly.
A second search was conducted on March 15 to check on the welfare of the animals and make sure they were being kept lawfully as previously discussed with the Sams. However, investigators ended up taken the couple into custody. They are charged with seven counts of animal neglect. The remaining animals were turned over to the care of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. They included dogs, cats, goats, horses, donkeys, ducks, chickens, geese, a peacock, turkey, rabbits, a pig, a hedgehog, lizards and a chinchilla.