MASON CITY, IA-- Two men from North Iowa are under arrest and charged in connection with animal cruelty on Chicago's southeast side.
During the investigation, 43 puppies were recovered and placed with Animal Care and Control.
22-year-old Travis Wester and 49-year-old Larry Subject, both of Britt, were each arrested and charged with 1 misdemeanor count of failing to meet animal owner duties and 43 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals.
The investigation began when Chicago Police along with the Gang Investigations Division looked into a suspicious vehicle in the 2500 block of West Cermak.
An officer heard loud barking coming from the rear of the vehicle and when they investigated, they found 43 animals in cramped containers without appropriate food or water.
Animal Care and Control assisted in the case and took custody of the puppies pending further investigation.
Update: Hancock County Sheriff Scott Dodd tells us the two were working for a rural Britt operation that buys and sells the animals. He says they do sell the animals to pet stores in the Chicago area.
