Man who left dogs to starve to death in apartment gets arrested for animal neglect

Nori and Brie. Image: Facebook/ Animal Rescue League of Iowa

A man was arrested for allegedly abandoning his two dogs in his apartment which led to the canines’ untimely deaths in the United States.

David Goodburn adopted the two “Bonded Buddy dogs” Nori and Brie last March, according to Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s (ARL) Facebook post today, May 21. Goodburn was charged with two counts of animal neglect and a serious misdemeanor demonstrating willful intent.

The 21-year-old man’s apartment manager called animal control on May 18 after smelling “strong odor” coming out of Goodburn’s apartment, ABC-affiliate WOI-DT reported yesterday, May 20.

The Des Moines Police is currently conducting an investigation while Goodburn remains detained in Polk County Jail.

The animal rescue group said that when Goodburn was filing for adoption, the man showed no sign that the two animals will not be taken good care of.

“Goodburn completed the adoption counseling process, signed the adoption contract committing to the high standards of care we expect from all of our adopters, and paid an adoption fee,” it stated. “At no point were there any indicators during the adoption process that Nori and Brie would not be safe.”

However, this week, ARL Animal Services got a call concerning Goodburn. Its officers discovered the two dogs dead in his apartment.

ARL mourns for the two dogs, describing them as “incredibly sweet girls who loved belly rubs, toys, and especially people.”

“[These] pets are so much more than just a number to us: [they’re] part of our extended ARL family,” ARL said. The group has adopted 2,614 pets since the beginning of the year.

“We love them deeply, care for them diligently, and take great care in ensuring they go to great homes,” the animal rescue group added. “We will continue to work with law enforcement to hold Goodburn accountable and will be pursuing civil action for his violation of our adoption contract.”

https://www.facebook.com/ARLIowa/posts/10158351584837354

According to the criminal complaint, Goodburn has not checked on the dogs since around the time of their adoption. There was also no food and water found anywhere in the apartment. Cha Lino/JB

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