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…
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.…
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…
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.…