State v. Randall Rees, a case we prosecuted for the Medina County SPCA in the Medina Municipal Court. Defendant was convicted of companion animal neglect for failure to provide proper care of Kali, a 10 month old pit bull. Kali suffered from demodex mange and severe itching resulting in the loss of most of her fur. …
State v. Robert Fatica; State v. Laura Tamura. This is a case we prosecuted in the Willougby Municipal Court for the Lake Humane Society. Defendants Robert Fatica and Laura Tamura were found guilty of companion animal neglect for keeping 13 cats in their home in Eastlake, Ohio in filthy conditions. The animals were matted, suffering from…
State v. Lisa Laux, a case we prosecuted in the Wadsworth Municipal Court for the Medina County SPCA: Laux was convicted of companion animal neglect for allowing her 10 year old shitzu to become severely matted, especially around its eyes, with untreated eye infections which caused the animal to become blind. The dog was humanely euthanized…
State v. Augusta and Burdett Crandall, cases we prosecuted for the Medina County SPCA.The Defendants were both found guilty this week of two counts of companion animal cruelty in one of the worst starvation cases we have seen. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date in the Wadsworth Municipal Court.
Conflicts over a pet can be just as serious to divorcing spouses or separating couples as any other issue. Many couples consider their pet to be a family member or child and it can be difficult to come to a mutual agreement about which person should keep the pet. Unlike real children, for which specific…
In the state of Ohio, you can end your marriage in one of two ways–divorce or dissolution. Divorce When parties cannot agree to resolve issues such as division of marital assets or debts, child custody/support, or spousal support (alimony), a divorce takes place. This process is adversarial. In order to obtain a divorce, one party…
State v. Filimon Medina, a case we prosecuted for the Medina County SPCA. Defendant was found guilty of two first degree misdemeanor charges for possession of criminal tools. The “criminal tools” were 29 roosters with their combs and waddles surgically removed, medications, vitamins, rooster boxing muffs and other items linking Mr. Medina to cockfighting. Defendant…
State v. Carlos Diaz, a case we prosecuted for the Cleveland Animal Protective League. Diaz kept 15 roosters and hens in a filthy, sewage-filled basement. A number of the birds had untreated injuries, were underweight, or were otherwise ill. Food for the birds was scattered amongst the sewage, and no clean water was available. Diaz…
State v. Joseph Gatz, a case we prosecuted for the Medina County SPCA. Joseph Gatz pled guilty to one count of companion animal neglect regarding his dog “Evander” who had a severe skin condition and was ultimately euthanized. Gatz was sentenced by Judge McIlvaine to 30 days in jail, suspended, and was placed on probation for…
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.…