Breaking! More Than 200 Ducks, Geese & Other Birds Rescued From Abandoned Farm In Iowa

Press-Citizen

More than 200 birds including ducks, geese, chickens, and pigeons, were rescued over the weekend as part of an animal welfare investigation in Iowa.

According to the City of Iowa’s Facebook page, the birds are now in the care of Iowa City Animal Services where they are being restored to health and will be evaluated for adoption to appropriate homes soon.

Donations are urgently needed to help care for the 110 ducks and geese, 76 chickens, and 49 pigeons. Immediate needs include Straw bales; Non-medicated poultry food, like ‘All Flock’ or other similar brands; and Farm supply gift cards, like Thiesen’s Home Farm & Auto or Orscheln Farm and Home.

Horrifically, as per the Press-Citizen, Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek said the investigation took place on an abandoned and dilapidated farmstead where more than 20 crates, kennels, and small sheds were found containing the poor animals.

The property owner, Francis J. Prohaska, 70, of Iowa City, admitted to owning the birds and voluntarily relinquished control of them.

Pulkrabek said deputies thought Prohaska was feeding the birds, but not always providing water for them as the property has no water source.

The media outlet also reported that authorities had seized animals from Prohaska in April 2016, after Iowa City police found 62 ducks in an abandoned U-Haul.

An animal neglect charge, in that case, was reportedly dismissed when Prohaska gave up the ducks.

The current investigation is ongoing and, unfathomably, there is not yet a decision about whether to file charges.

People interested in donating or adopting any of the birds should call the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center at (319) 356-5295.