Home / Crime and Justice / Pet Store Owner Admits Animal Cruelty
Pet Store Owner Admits Animal Cruelty
19 Jun
Summary
- Owner pleaded guilty to animal neglect charges.
- Multiple animals found emaciated and sick.
- Deferred judgment includes probation and fines.
Michael Jensen, 64, owner of Aqualand Pets Plus in Des Moines, pleaded guilty on June 17 to two counts of animal neglect with serious injury or death and one count of animal neglect with injury. These charges stemmed from a January 12 complaint. An investigation revealed severely neglected animals, including emaciated snakes and iguanas, a parakeet with a broken foot, and deceased monitor lizards.
A bearded dragon in extremely poor health was euthanized. This incident follows a prior 2024 conviction for Jensen involving rats kept in unsanitary conditions. As part of his deferred judgment, Jensen faces a two-year probation period, must pay $2,140 in civil penalties per charge, undergo a psychological evaluation, and is prohibited from owning any animals.
Jensen must also complete an eight-hour online animal cruelty course. One count of neglect with serious injury or death and one count of animal neglect with injury were dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Further victim damages are pending a court decision.
