The Marshalltown Animal Rescue League has filed a lawsuit against Marshall County and the City of Laurel, alleging it has not been paid for caring for 19 neglected animals seized from a Laurel property earlier this year.
During a press conference Monday, Animal Rescue League Director Austin Gillis said the organization responded to the case at the request of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, even though it does not have a formal contract with the county. Gillis said the rescue agreed to take in the animals after being assured it would be reimbursed for the costs of housing, feeding, and providing veterinary care.
According to Gillis, the total bill has now exceeded $21,000. He said the county and the City of Laurel have been disputing which entity is responsible for paying the expenses, leaving the nonprofit without compensation.
Gillis compared the situation to “two big elephants” fighting while “the grass gets trampled,” saying the Animal Rescue League has been unfairly caught in the middle. The lawsuit seeks full reimbursement for the costs incurred while caring for the animals.
