Hoarding - over 100 animals seized
Troy, OH (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Feb 7, 2008
County: Wood
Disposition: Not Charged
Persons of Interest:
» Barbara Heidtman
» Timothy Heidtman
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
The Wood County Humane Society seized more than 100 dogs, cats, and birds Thursday night from a residence at 23650 Stony Ridge Rd. in Troy Township - so many that the animals had to be taken to the Wood County fairgrounds for temporary housing.
Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn said several dogs were in poor health. The Disaster Animal Rescue Team was called in to examine the animals, which were taken from the home and barn of Timothy and Barbara Heidtman.
No charges have been filed.
According to a search warrant filed in Perrysburg Municipal Court, the Wood County dog warden had been called to the residence Nov. 20 and Jan. 5 on reports of a dog running loose.
When Deputy Warden Andrew Snyder arrived, he said that both times he heard dogs "barking, growling, and crying inside the residence," and he could smell a strong odor of ammonia and feces.
The sheriff said deputies who assisted in serving the search warrant found 86 dogs inside the house and another 20 in a barn. There also were about 10 cats and two birds in the house.
"Based on the number of animals in such small confinements, lack of ventilation, and the ammonia levels and feces and urine present, it is evident that the animals are not properly cared for," Mr. Snyder wrote in a witness statement filed with the search warrant.
"Such practices of animal hoarding are extremely detrimental to the mental and physical health of the animals involved."
The Wood County Health Department has been asked to look into possible health violations at the residence, the sheriff said.
Case UpdatesWood County Humane Society officials urgently need volunteers as well as food and supplies to help more than 100 animals seized from a home and barn in rural Troy Township.
The Wood County Sheriff's Office and county dog warden assisted in the animal confiscation Thursday evening.
Some of the confiscated animals were taken to a facility at the Wood County Fairgrounds in Bowling Green. Others are housed at the Humane Society in the city.
Sheriff's reports described deplorable conditions inside the home, where more than 80 dogs and about 10 cats and two birds were living with at least two adult residents. More animals were confiscated from a nearby barn.
Humane Society officials are evaluating the health of the animals.
"We're still trying to assess all the animals and the situation. It is an ongoing case, we're still going through everything," Heather Luedecke, spokesperson for the Humane Society, said this morning.
According to the sheriff's office, a search warrant was issued through Perrysburg Municipal Court to the Humane Society for the rural home and barn at 23650 Stony Ridge Road.
Sheriff's Deputies Andrew Webb, Rod Smith and Sgt. Joe Appelhans provided assistance from 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday.
Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn this morning said 86 dogs were found inside the home. Another 20 dogs were taken from a barn on the property. There also were 10 cats and two birds.
Webb in his report indicated the house was rife with animal feces and the stench of urine. The deputy in his report described the odor was "unbearable" and "the condition inside the house was uninhabitable."
Sheriff's reports identified the home occupants at Barbara Heidtman, 54, and Timothy Heidtman, 53.
Luedecke said she and other volunteers worked late Thursday and are still overwhelmed this morning with the care and assessment of the animals.
She would not say whether any animals have been euthanized, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Luedecke said pet supplies are needed, especially dog food and bowls to feed the animals.
"We really just need a lot of hands in house," Luedecke said. "We'll have more information later. Right now we're just trying to get a handle on the situation."
Once the animals have been evaluated, the Humane Society will also be looking for foster homes.
Volunteers and those interested in donating supplies or pet food are asked to come directly to the Humane Society at 801 Van Camp Road in Bowling Green.
Those who may be able to provide foster homes can call the office at (419) 352-7339. | Source: Sentinel-Tribune - March 15, 2008
Update posted on Mar 15, 2008 - 9:00PM |
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