State v. Joyce Amos, a case investigated by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Department and the Ashland County Humane Society. Defendant was convicted after trial of abandoning a 5 week old kitten by a dumpster at a veterinarian’s office. Amos was seen at rear of the building after hours putting a live animal trap in her…
State v. David Scott, a case we prosecuted for the Brunswick Hills Police Department. David Scott shot and killed a dog named Patches with a pellet gun. Patches was trespassing on his property, but the dog was at least 60 feet away from him and was in the act of departing the property. Scott claims that…
In 2012, Ohio joined 49 states and nearly every country in the world when it removed its breed-specific language from state law. “Pit bull” type dogs were no longer considered “vicious” from birth. Today, the Ohio Revised Code defines a “vicious dog” as a dog that has killed or caused serious injury to any person…
House Bill 274, which aims to make Ohio’s most serious animal cruelty crimes a felony on a first offense, passed the Ohio House of Representatives on December 11, 2013. The vote was 84-8. As passed by the House and outlined in Ohio Legislative Service Commission’s Bill Summary, HB 274 now: • Prohibits any person from…
These photographs are from a case we recently prosecuted for Lake Humane Society. Sixteen live cats and one dog were removed from this neglect situation, which included extremely deplorable conditions inside the home, lack of veterinary care, and inadequate food and water. Animal bones were also discovered. Five cats had to be euthanized. As part…
One of our attorneys, Janis Zachman, was a guest on Mary Kovach’s Family Forum last month. The discussion centered on Guardian ad Litem work. Janis has acted as a Guardian ad Litem for over 18 years. She has also been selected to participate in the Ohio Supreme Court’s Domestic Relations Summit initiative in 2013-14. Areas…
In Ohio, there are two means of recovery for those who have suffered from a dog bite, attack, mauling, or other injury to themselves or their property (including their pets!). (1) State Statute Under Ohio’s state statutes, specifically Section 955.28(B) of the Ohio Revised Code, a dog’s owner, keeper, and/or harborer is strictly liable for…
State v. Mark Grizer, a case we prosecuted for the Humane Society of Greater Akron was resolved today. Grizer was convicted of two counts of companion animal cruelty for allowing two of his dogs to become emaciated. The animals were found in filthy conditions. Grizer surrendered the dogs, who have been rehabilitated and are both…
State v. Joseph Salett, a case we prosecuted for the Cleveland APL. Salett was found guilty of companion animal cruelty for failing to provide adequate food or water to two dogs, who were both Body Condition Score 2. Salett was sentenced to 90 days in jail, which may be imposed if he fails to complete…
State v. Jessica Barclay; State v. Kelly Barclay Two cases we prosecuted for the Geauga County Humane Society. Both were found guilty of three counts of animal cruelty after an investigation of neglect of 6 horses. The Humane Society successfully pursued this case despite the fact that the Defendants moved to Kansas.