LAKEWOOD, OHIO – Ernest Lazor, the owner of the 41 blue tick beagles taken from a home on Waterbury Road, has reached a plea agreement with the city of Lakewood.
On Friday, Jan. 6, the 71-year-old resident relinquished custody of the dogs and pled guilty to “multiple” counts of animal cruelty.
A statement on the municipality’s website provided details about the rest of the deal, which includes a five-year diversion program with a required mental health assessment and grief counseling.
Lazor is banned from owning dogs during this period and must complete courses regarding the “ethical treatment of animals.” If he does not comply to these terms, he could spend up to 18 months in prison.
He also must pay the city back the full costs incurred for the treatment and housing of the beagles. Emergency vet care was provided to each of the 41 beagles, which will now be taken to area shelters and rescues.
“We are happy that the court case is fully resolved, which allows us to get the dogs one step further to being stabilized in long-term, loving homes,” said Elaine Hearn, Lakewood Animal Shelter supervisor, in a statement.
