An investigation into the execution-style shooting of several dogs May 12th in Fremont County, has led to the arrest of two people, charged with animal abuse. The Fremont County Sheriff’s Department reports their office received a call at around 1-a.m. May 12th, with regard to the shooting of several dogs that had allegedly been chasing livestock. During their investigation, deputies learned the dogs did not chase the livestock, and over the next several days, learned the animals had been shot execution-style. Each of the dogs suffered from a single gunshot wound.

Deputies were able to determine 65-year old Orrie Covert, Jr., and 30-year old Amber Sharp, both of Tabor, were responsible for the shooting of four dogs. Evidence was gathered, and a search warrant carried out at a residence on Tuesday (May 21st) resulted in the confiscation of numerous illegal wild game animals. Covert, Jr. and Sharp were arrested on four counts each of animal abuse. They were being held in the Fremont County Jail on $8,000 bond, each.

Numerous charges are still pending as a result of the search warrant, and through the Iowa DNR. The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by officers with the Sidney and Tabor Police Departments, and Iowa Department of Natural Resouces.