No Justice: Des Moines Man Adopted Dogs & Then Left Them To Starve & Die In His Apartment

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From May 20, 2020

A Des Moines man was arrested after he adopted two dogs in March and then left them to die in an apartment, police said.

In late March, David James Goodburn, 21, adopted the dogs from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, according to a criminal complaint. Goodburn then left the dogs in an apartment without food and water, where they eventually died, the complaint said.


ARL of Iowa Executive Director Tom Colvin confirmed Goodburn adopted the dogs from the shelter and that they starved to death. On May 18, a strong odor was smelled coming from Goodburn's apartment, the complaint said. The power to the apartment was also cut, the complaint said.

"It's believed Goodburn intentionally left the dogs to die," the complaint said.

ARL of Iowa spokeswoman Stephanie Filer said the dogs, 3-year-old Nori and 1.5-year-old Brie, were "incredibly sweet girls who loved belly rubs, toys and especially people." They were a "bonded buddy" pair at the shelter.

Goodburn was charged with two counts of animal neglect — serious injury or death — which are serious misdemeanors. He is being held in the Polk County Jail. His preliminary hearing will be June 12, according to court records.

Goodburn completed the adoption process and committed to providing the dogs with high-quality care, Filer said.

"At no point were there any indicators during the adoption process that Nori and Brie would not be safe," Filer said in a statement.

Goodburn lived in the apartment and had several people in the residence after he adopted the dogs, Filer said. No red flags were ever raised before this week, she said.

Police: Des Moines man adopted dogs and then left them to starve and die in his apartment

A Des Moines man was arrested after police said he adopted two dogs in March, then starved them. They were found dead in May.

www.desmoinesregister.com

UPDATE (12/16/2021): David James Goodburn pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of animal neglect resulting in death or serious injury on Aug. 31, 2020. He was fined $315 and given a 365 day suspended jail sentence for each count, with two years of probation. We are disappointed that an intentional act of cruelty to this magnitude, that led to the deaths of two living beings who suffered greatly and over a prolonged period of time, resulted in probation. We will continue to do all we can to push for accountability for people who harm animals. —Lady Freethinker Staff

PETITION: Justice for Dogs Adopted Only to Be Starved to Death

Sign this petition demanding justice for Nori and Brie, two dogs who were abandoned and starved to death shortly after being adopted from an animal shelter.

ladyfreethinker.org

Polk County Inmates

 

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Run free Nori & Brie