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Ohio House Bill 198 Reduces Humane Societies’ Power to Protect Animals

Posted by DanaMarie Pannella on May 12, 2015   |   Comments Off on Ohio House Bill 198 Reduces Humane Societies’ Power to Protect Animals

ANIMAL LEGISLATION UPDATE:
HB 198, which abolishes Ohio Humane Societies’ ability to appoint prosecutors to prosecute crimes against animals, was introduced in the Ohio House on 5/11/15. This is the first legislative effort to REDUCE a Humane Society’s ability to protect animals.

Primary Sponsors: Reps. Steve Hambley (R-69) and Greta Johnson (D-35)

Summary: To repeal section 2931.18 of the Revised Code to abolish the humane society’s authority to employ an attorney to prosecute certain violations of law dealing with animal cruelty.

Find your Legislator here: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislators/find-my-legislators

HB 198 Hurts Animals

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Cat hoarder in Brunswick, Ohio

Posted by J. Jeffrey Holland on September 5, 2014   |   Comments Off on Cat hoarder in Brunswick, Ohio

State v. Kelli Drake, a case we prosecuted for the Medina County SPCA. Drake was found guilty of two counts of companion animal cruelty regarding 46 cats (all black) kept in her home. The cats were infested with fleas, severe flea allergies, hair loss, dermatitis, tapeworms, and FIV. All animals were surrendered to the SPCA.

Drake is prohibited from keeping any animals for four years, must submit to random inspections, and must complete a mental health assessment, and follow up with recommended treatment. If she violates these conditions, she is facing 180 days in jail.

Holland & Muirden, Attorneys at Law's photo.
Holland & Muirden, Attorneys at Law's photo.
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“Hollywood Bob” to serve 360 days in jail for animal neglect

Posted by J. Jeffrey Holland on September 3, 2014   |   Comments Off on “Hollywood Bob” to serve 360 days in jail for animal neglect

Robert Konst, a.k.a. “Hollywood Bob,” to serve 360 days in jail for animal neglect. This is a case we prosecuted for the Geauga County Humane Society.

Konst was found guilty of 12 counts of companion animal cruelty relating to 72 cats in June. The animals were living in severe filth, many suffering from a variety of ailments, including skin conditions and ruptured eyes. 

Judge Terri Stupica of the Chardon sentenced him to four 90 day sentences, all of which ran consecutively, for a total of 360 days, but suspended those days so long as he successfully completed probation. 

He was arrested just a few weeks after being sentenced for violating his probation. Judge Stupica was not persuaded by the excuses he offered in court, and ordered Konst to serve the entire 360 days in jail. We are grateful to Judge Stupica for her firm hand in this serious animal cruelty case, and to the Geauga County Humane Society for bringing this matter to the court’s attention.

HollywoodBob

 

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Defendant who put cat in an oven serves jail time

Posted by J. Jeffrey Holland on August 29, 2014   |   Comments Off on Defendant who put cat in an oven serves jail time

State v. Randy Atkinson, a case we prosecuted for the Medina County SPCA.

Atkinson was convicted of animal cruelty for placing a cat in an oven back in 2010. The cat’s paws were singed, but it survived without severe harm. He was put on probation for 5 years, which included a prohibition against keeping animals.

Atkinson was recently arrested on other criminal charges which were not animal-related. Judge McIlvaine of the Wadsworth Municipal Court today imposed the full 90 day jail term, and also 90 days for a current theft charge. Atkinson will spend the next 6 months in jail.

 

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