March 29, 2024

Ex-groomer accused of kicking dog has trial set

IOWA CITY — Trial has been set for a former Iowa City dog groomer accused of kicking a dog while it was in his care.

Lucas Van Orden V, 22, is set to stand trial on Nov. 1 on an aggravated misdemeanor charge of animal abuse. If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison.

Van Orden had initially been charged with animal neglect, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail. Prosecutors dismissed that charge in favor of the more serious animal abuse count.