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A Fort Dodge couple is facing animal neglect charges after two of their dogs were allegedly found abandoned and malnourished, with one of the dogs needing a leg amputated.
According to court records, Jason Brigham, 30, and Natassja Smith, 26, were both charged with animal neglect with serious injury or death, an aggravated misdemeanor. The defendants didn't provide food to the dogs and abused the dogs, according to the criminal complaint.
One of the dogs had a fractured bone in its back leg and needed an amputation.
The alleged crime happened sometime between Sept. 20 and Oct. 13.
Brigham and Smith had their initial appearances in Webster County Magistrate Court on Thursday. Smith waived a preliminary hearing, while Brigham's preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2024.
Both defendants were released on their own recognizance and by court order cannot own any dogs until their cases are resolved.