Marshall County Sheriff's Office Investigates Livestock Neglect

September 28, 2026

At approximately 7:00 AM on September 24th 2026, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office received an animal complaint that a young pony that was struggling to stand up.  When Deputies arrived, a young pony was located in a pasture that appeared to be entangled in brush.  Deputies were able to free the pony; however, it was determined the pony was severely malnourished and appeared to have been laying on its side for several hours.  Deputies noticed the condition of the property, approximately 6 acres, was severely overgrazed leaving the pasture bare raising concerns on health and welfare of several animals on the property. 

Deputies executed a search warrant at 2144 P, Marsh Avenue, Marshalltown Iowa at approximately 11:00 AM on September 24, 2026.  As a result of the investigation and consultation with veterinarians, 379 animals were rescued from the property. 

Animals included:

342-Chickens (7 euthanized)

18-Sheep

2-Geese

5-Goats

6-Pigs

2-Rabbits

1-Duck

1-Horse

2-Kittens

Unfortunately, one of the injured ponies was humanely euthanized.

All live animals were contained, loaded into multiple livestock trailers and transported by ARL of Iowa staff to a recovery location where animals received health and welfare assessments, along with recommended treatment.

The livestock owners, Pedro Garcia-Alvarez, age 46, and Millie Moreno-Garcia, age 55, both of Marshalltown were arrested on September 28, 2026.  Both were charged with Livestock Neglect-Causing Serious Injury or Death and Livestock Neglect-Failure to Provide Adequate Livestock Care.   

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the ARL of Iowa and Marshall County Attorney’s Office regarding the removal, care, and disposition of the animals.  Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, 641-754-6380, or email-sheriff@marshallcountyia.gov 

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by ARL of Iowa, ARL of Iowa Veterinary Services, South Hardin Veterinary Clinic, and Marshall County Emergency Management Agency-CERT Members. 

For additional information contact:

Sheriff Joel Phillips

jphillips@marshallcountyia.gov

641-754-6380

The Marshall County, Iowa Sheriff's Office is led by Sheriff Joel Phillips and is committed to keeping communities and neighborhoods safe in Marshall County.

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