Hoarding - 240 animals seized, 30 found dead
Trotwood, OH (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Jun 19, 2008
County: Montgomery
Disposition: Alleged
Abuser names unreleased
Caregivers at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton drove to local pet stores and supply barns Friday, June 20, trying to find food for the 240 animals rescued from a Trotwood house Thursday.
Authorities removed the animals from a decrepit house at 5028 Jason Ave. and found about 30 more dead animals. Trotwood police immediately condemned the house and told the property's owner, Carol Stein, to clean it up.
The animals rescued included chickens, ducks, mice, rats, dogs, cats and rabbits, said Brian Weltge, Humane Society executive director.
"We are trying our best to get these animals back in good health as fast as we can," Weltge said.
He said 20 of the 240 animals rescued, including baby chicks and ducks, were euthanized because they were in too bad of shape.
"These animals were living in horrible conditions," Weltge said. "Some are surprisingly in really good condition, but most are in poor health."
Stein said Thursday a young girl living in the house was in 4-H and that was one reason for having all the animals. Stein said she, the girl and another person lived in the house, but she declined to elaborate.
"I know I am totally right, but what they did in taking all those animals was wrong," Stein said. "I just recently lost my husband and I am trying to get things in order."
Weltge said he has yet to total up the money spent on new cages and food for animals taken from Stein's property.
The 25 animal shelter workers are overwhelmed by the amount of work needed to care for the confiscated animals, Weltge said. The workers usually care for 120 cats and 40 dogs.
Weltge said investigators are preparing animal cruelty charges against Stein. Trotwood police Sgt. Fred Beck said Stein faces charges for violating multiple city ordinances.
"We are looking at violations of having farm animals within a city residence, running a business on residential property, the property being in such poor condition and having vehicles with expired tags," Beck said.
None of the seized animals can be adopted until a court gives the Humane Society custody or the owner releases them to the shelter, Weltge said.
How to donateThe non-profit Humane Society is looking for donations to help care for the seized animals, Weltge said. Donations of money or supplies can be made by calling (937) 268-PETS.References« OH State Animal Cruelty Map
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