Animal Rescue League removes 55 exotic birds from Des Moines shooter’s house

The ARL Removed 60 Living & 2 Deceased Animals From Accused Shooter's Home. Visit www.arl-iowa.org/birds for more information and to learn how you can help. — The ARL Removed 60 Living & 2 Deceased Animals From Accused Shooter’s Home. Visit www.arl-iowa.org/birds for more information and to learn how you can help. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/ARLIowa

DES MOINES – A Des Moines man who fired shots at passers-by and police and ultimately died from being shot himself had a large number of animals removed from his home in the aftermath of the incident.

According to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL), the organization removed 60 living and 2 deceased animals from Steven Vogel’s home on Creston Avenue in Des Moines, including 55 exotic birds, 4 cats, 1 snake, and 2 deceased birds.

“We will be working with the next of kin to determine the permanent placement for the animals, but in the meantime the animals will remain under the care of the ARL,” the statement from ARL indicated Friday.

“Caring for exotic birds of these numbers is costly so the ARL is asking for the public to help by making a monetary donation to cover the veterinary expenses and food needed to care for the influx of 60 more animals, straining our already full shelter.”