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An Iowa woman has been charged with animal torture and neglect after police found a dead dog who was tied up in a suitcase in her home, and another dog who was left in a crate filled with their own waste. Demand maximum penalties in this case!
 

In October 2025, police discovered the dead dog when they were reportedly investigating suspicious activity at the home of Kyra Johnson in Des Moines.

Officers discovered the dog's body in a suitcase in a shed on the property, with their front paws bound with tape and a cord wrapped around their neck. A second dog, who was also found in a serious state of neglect, was removed and taken in by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Johnson was charged with animal torture and animal neglect, both of which are aggravated misdemeanors carrying penalties of up to two years in prison and fines, in addition to mandated health counseling and forfeiture and possession bans on animals.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Woman Who Concealed Starved Dog in Suitcase & Starved Another Dog Must Face Maximum Penalties

I am writing in support of the State’s prosecution of Kyra Marie Johnson in connection with the severe abuse and neglect of multiple animals, and to respectfully urge full utilization of the charging and sentencing authority available under Iowa law.

According to publicly reported facts, law enforcement discovered a deceased dog who had been tied, starved, and concealed inside a suitcase on Ms. Johnson’s property, as well as a second dog who survived but was found in extreme and prolonged neglect and was removed for their safety. These facts support prosecution under Iowa Code § 717B.3A (Animal Torture) and § 717B.3 (Animal Neglect Causing Serious Injury or Death).

Importantly, each animal constitutes a separate victim under Iowa law. I respectfully urge the State to pursue separate counts for each dog, including a distinct cruelty or torture-based charge for the surviving animal, whose suffering appears intentional, prolonged, and severe. The conduct alleged reflects a pattern of abuse rather than a single incident.

Given the extreme nature of the offenses, I urge the State to seek the maximum penalties available for each aggravated misdemeanor, including up to two years of incarceration per count, substantial fines, restitution, and consecutive sentencing where permitted.

I further respectfully request that the State evaluate whether the facts and Ms. Johnson’s history permit felony-level prosecution or enhancement, as allowed under Iowa law, including but not limited to prior qualifying offenses or other statutory aggravators. Where felony charges are not legally available, I urge the State to pursue the strongest misdemeanor framework possible to ensure accountability proportionate to the harm inflicted.

Acts of animal torture and extreme neglect are widely recognized indicators of future violent behavior. Research consistently demonstrates a strong link between animal cruelty and violence toward humans, making robust prosecution essential not only for justice for the animal victims but for the protection of the public at large. Leniency in cases of this severity risks recidivism and escalation.

In addition to incarceration and fines, I respectfully request that the court impose:

 - Mandatory mental health evaluation and treatment

 - A permanent prohibition on interacting with or residing with animals

 - Any other conditions necessary to protect the public and prevent future harm to animal companions

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter and for your commitment to enforcing Iowa’s animal protection laws. I will be closely following this case through its resolution.

Sincerely,

Signed

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