Four Lakewood officials took the stand during the hearing to determine whether the beagles’ impoundment was justified.
Ernest R. Lazor, a 71-year-old man who had grown up in the Waterbury home that was now condemned, was able to cross-examine each officer. His inquiry to each of them was similar: “Did the beagles appear malnourished?”
Although Lakewood Dog Warden Jack Crawford and Animal Control Officer Kurtis Bialosky indicated the dogs were a “healthy weight,” statements made throughout the trial illuminated the negative psychological and unkempt physical state of the animals.
“Less Than Ideal”
During his testimony, Lazor acknowledged the numerous complaints made to the city “over the years,” adding that as they piled up, he was “forced to keep the windows closed.”
A public records search discovered Lazor’s past history with both Lakewood’s Animal Control division and the city’s police department. Officers cited the defendant on eight different occasions for animal-related offenses including excessive barking and noxious odors.
Crawford previously cited Lazor four times since Aug. 31, 2018 and most recently on May 12, 2022.
Bialosky issued citations to Lazor on two separate occasions – Oct. 20, 2019 and Aug. 23, 2022.
Two Lakewood police officers also issued citations to the beagles’ owner.
Assistant City Prosecutor Andrew Fleck questioned the defendant about how often he took care of the dogs’ grooming and medical needs.
Lazor stated his daughter trimmed and groomed the beagles, but she had been in and out of the hospital and unable to care for them. He also said some of the beagles received a veterinary checkup on December 6.
As for the state of the house, Lazor said he cleaned the home at multiple points throughout the day, but the dogs would quickly undo any work he performed.
He estimated the home’s condition had been “less than ideal” for the past “one to two” years and that no one else had visited the property during that period of time.
Lazor repeatedly focused on his plans for the beagles: a 26-acre sanctuary located in Trumbull County, Ohio.
Pet Sanctuary
“They’re not the ideal sanitary conditions, but we do what we can to survive,” Lazor told Judge Tess Neff. “The main focus is to execute the plan and get them into secure conditions.”
This isn’t the first time the Lakewood resident made others aware of his intentions to relocate the beagles.
Neighbors reported Lazor told them about the plans for a dog sanctuary during previous conversations, but this did little to convince them of the beagles’ wellbeing. It also didn’t stop the calls to Lakewood Animal Control, which was also aware of Lazor’s plans to move out by the end of January 2023.
The 26-acre parcel is zoned as Agricultural Vacant Land. Lazor purchased the land in October 2022 for $35,000. No structures exist on the property, according to public records.
Lazor told Judge Neff he already met with various township departments to finalize plans and banks to secure funding. The Waterbury Beagle Bulletin contacted the township zoning inspector to ask if any permit applications had been submitted or approved. They did not immediately respond to a request.
Lazor is due back in court on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 11:00 a.m.
Editor’s Note: This is part three of a three-part series about the night the Waterbury beagles were rescued. Part one covers the events preceding the execution of the search warrant for the property. Part two describes the property’s condition and the rescue operation. In part three, learn about Ernest R. Lazor’s past record and alleged plans for the animals. All descriptions and quotes are taken from direct testimony at the probable cause hearing which occurred on Dec. 29, 2022.
