CLEAR LAKE – A Mason City woman allegedly thoughtlessly abandoned this good boy in Clear Lake, and police were having none of that, as the suspect is now charged with a crime.
On June 25, 2025, the Clear Lake Police Department charged 33-year-old Michelle Matous of Mason City with one count of Animal Abandonment, a simple misdemeanor.
Clear Lake Police Officers spent five days attempting to locate the dog’s owner while it was cared for at the police department by department members. Officers were able to conduct interviews with witnesses, use department social media account asking for the public’s help, and we also received tips that were helpful in bringing the investigation to a close. The dog (pictured at top via CLPD) had been reported abandoned on June 20, 2025 within the city limits and was re-homed to local loving family on June 25.
No additional information is available at this time.
Chief of Police Michael Colby had this to say about the incident:
“This case is a good reminder to everyone that taking a pet into your home comes with a commitment to care for that animal throughout its life. I am glad that we could both identify the animal’s original owner, and find a family that wanted to take the dog in, and care for it.”
1 thought on “Mason City woman cited for dumping good boy in Clear Lake”
She should get dumped somewhere! If he needs a home, I can take him, but I’m assuming he’s at the animal shelter.