QC Couple Charged with Animal Neglect After Their Dog Dies at Local Shelter
A Bettendorf couple has been charged with animal neglect following the death of their pit bull.
WQAD reports Dennis Terrell Stewart was arrested by the Bettendorf police and a warrant has been served for his wife, Vanessa Bruyntjens. Police allege the two did not provide adequate care to their pitbull, King, who suffered from a twisted stomach.
Stewart took the sick animal to King's Harvest Shelter, claiming that he had found the dog in Scott County Park. The story was later proven to be untrue.
By the time Stewart brought King into the shelter, the dog was lethargic, had many cuts and bruises, and was severely underweight. Despite emergency care, he passed away shortly after from internal bleeding.
The Quad-City Times reports there was evidence that King had been malnourished and neglected while in the care of Stewart and his wife.
Stewart appeared in court over the weekend, while Bruyntjens has a court date set for February 20. They are both facing misdemeanor charges.