OTTUMWA – An Ottumwa woman is behind bars following an investigation into animal hoarding.

The Ottumwa Police Department says that on 10/02/2025, an investigation into an animal hoarding case was conducted at 218 E. Woodland Avenue.  The investigation led officers to obtain a search warrant for the residence.  

During the related investigation and execution of the search warrant, officers discovered a large amount of cats inside of the residence.  The cats were observed to be of varying sizes, maturity and ages.  The exterior and interior of the residence was observed to emit an offensive odor and the living conditions inside of the residence were unsanitary and unsafe.  Based on the conditions of the residence, the City of Ottumwa Code Enforcement placarded the residence.  Approximately 43 cats were removed from the residence during the course of the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, Suzette Kay Stocker, age 77, of 218 E. Woodland Avenue was subsequently arrested and charged with 43 counts of Cruelty to Animals (Simple Misdemeanor), Sanitation of Premises (Simple Misdemeanor) and Number of Animals Restricted (Simple Misdemeanor).