Four children and 24 dogs were removed from a Washington home, and two people were arrested on child endangerment charges Friday afternoon. According to the Washington Police Department, 35-year old John Zaiss and 37-year-old Heather Egbert, both of Washington, were arrested at 615 South Marion Avenue related to an ongoing investigation. They both face four counts of child endangerment and are being held in the Washington County Jail.

Child endangerment is an aggravated misdemeanor. If convicted, it could result in imprisonment not to exceed two years and a fine between $850 and $8,540. 

Officers initially entered the home and removed two toddlers. Emergency medical services were called to evaluate the children and transport them to the Washington County Hospital. Two additional children were removed from the house. All four children are in the care of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. 

When officers entered the home they located over 30 animals: there were 24 dogs, one deceased dog, one deceased bearded dragon, one deceased hedgehog, and four cats. The animals were removed with the assistance of PAWS and More Animal Shelter and City of Washington staff. 

The interior of the home was described as having animal feces and urine on the floor. Officers found waist-high trash in the basement. Authorities were told that a pipe burst earlier in the year, causing sewage to seep into the basement.

The Washington Police Department was assisted at the scene by Washington EMS, Washington County Ambulance Service, City of Washington staff, PAWS and More Animal Shelter, and Iowa DHHS Child Protective Services staff.

The investigation is ongoing. KCII will bring more information as it becomes official.