The court hearing regarding the custody of the 42 beagles seized from a residence on Waterbury Road in Lakewood, Ohio is scheduled for Dec. 29, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
The owner will appear in front of Lakewood Municipal Court Judge Tess Neff to determine custody of the dogs.
Under Ohio state law, animals are considered property. Whether or not animal control officers had enough evidence to seize the beagles – such as the living conditions and health of the animals – will be under consideration.
If the judge finds probable cause, under Ohio Revised Code the owner would have to pay a daily bond to maintain ownership, normally on a per animal basis.
The dogs were found living in unsanitary conditions, covered in feces. According to an official, a veterinarian who examined the beagles this week found none had to be immediately euthanized.
However, most of the beagles that were seized have never been outside. Multiple females pulled from the home were pregnant, and the majority need extensive training and rehabilitation.
Public records revealed that neighbors complained for at least four years about loud barking and odors emanating from the home at 1654 Waterbury. Neighbors reported they placed hundreds of calls and complaints to no avail.
The individual was not living at the home. Neighbors witnessed the owner visit the house throughout the day for short periods of time. This is when the majority of activity such as excessive dog barking would occur.
Stephanie, I’m glad this whole situation was finally brought to the surface.
I’m hoping and praying that judge does not return custody to that guy, obviously he has problems.
But, problems or not he should be tried accordingly to the laws of mistreating these poor babies.
Maybe the house should be gutted and sold ,to help pay for everything they’re going to need in the future.
Letting these dogs wallow in their own feces, denying them companionship and exercise, keeping so many of them in crowded conditions befitting a puppy mill…if this isn’t criminal I don’t know what is! And why the multiple pregnant dogs? Was he breeding them for sale? Was he running a home puppy mill? It will be criminal on the city’s part if they give these dogs back to this man. He is not fit to own these dogs or any animal again. These dogs have suffered by his lack of care or compassion for a living creature. Unfortunately, I have no faith in the justice system doing right by these hapless animals. For years now, the perpetrators are given maximum rights and the victims barely any. IMO these dogs have been victimized and need to be permanently taken away to live with loving, caring people .
“Public records revealed that neighbors complained for at least four years about loud barking and odors emanating from the home at 1654 Waterbury. Neighbors reported they placed hundreds of calls and complaints to no avail.” from news article above. Wow, Lakewood. Just wow.
This man is clearly one of 2 things:
A) Not mentally fit to understand the severity of his crimes
B) Criminally abusive
Either way. No way he gets these dogs back.
I am concern selling them to be bait for dog fighting. Why did it take Lakewood 4 years to respond? Level the house and make a small dog park maybe membership to keep it small and dogs will know each other