40 neglected pets seized
Fremont, OH (US)Incident Date: Friday, Jul 29, 2011
County: Sandusky
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available
Alleged: Susan G. Baker
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
A phone call from a woman in distress led Sandusky County sheriff's deputies to break into her home on U.S. 6 Friday, where they found her unconscious in a chair and some 40 animals in dire need of attention.
The homeowner, who was not identified, was taken to Fremont Memorial Hospital. The Humane Society of Sandusky County - with help from dog wardens from Sandusky, Ottawa, and Wood counties - took possession of 36 dogs, three cats, and a cockatoo. Most were filthy and neglected.
"These dogs want to make you break into tears," Joanne McDowell, president of the humane society's board, said. "They're matted with feces and hair. They're little tiny dogs and just the saddest things."
Animal cruelty charges are expected, although none was immediately filed.
A group of groomers was to come to the shelter Saturday to begin cleaning the animals - some so neglected it was hard to tell if they were male or female, Ms. McDowell said. Eight of the dogs were taken to area veterinary clinics because they were dehydrated.
"They haven't been groomed in forever," she said. "They're literally all going to have to be shaved down."
Chief Deputy Bruce Hirt said the sheriff's office received a 911 call about 8:35 a.m. from a Fremont woman who said she'd received a phone call from a woman who was moaning. She said she heard what sounded like a baby crying in the background, though deputies now assume it was a dog that she heard. While the caller apparently did not know the woman, she obtained her name and phone number from caller ID and passed it along to the sheriff's office.
Chief Deputy Hirt said the doors and windows at the house a few miles west of Fremont were locked up tightly when deputies arrived, so they forced entry.
"The people going in had to use air packs because the stench was so great," he said. "There was feces on the floor. There was feces on the dogs. Some of the animals were sick."
Deputy Eric Arquette was treated at the local hospital after he was bitten by the cockatoo, Chief Deputy Hirt said.
He did not release the woman's name, although Sandusky County real estate records show the property is owned by Susan G. Baker. A sign on an outbuilding behind the house said "Puppies for sale," but humane officials doubt she had been selling dogs recently.
"Years ago she sold dogs, but these dogs you couldn't have bred if you wanted to," Ms. McDowell said.
The seizure of dogs comes at a challenging time for the humane society, whose shelter on Port Clinton Road already is well over its capacity. Ms. McDowell said that while foster homes will be needed eventually, the humane society's greatest need right now is money.
"This is going to cost us a fortune - just spaying, neutering, and giving them shots," she said. "We don't need food. We're fine on food. We need money for veterinary care."
The humane society accepts contributions through PayPal. For information, contact the Humane Society of Sandusky County at 419-334-4517.
Case UpdatesProsecutors in Sandusky County have filed 36 counts of animal cruelty against a 68-year-old Fremont woman whose home was found filled with neglected, filthy animals last month.
Authorities removed 35 dogs, three cats, and a cockatoo from the home of Susan G. Baker on July 29. Sandusky County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Ms. Baker's home after another woman called 911 to report that someone seemed to be in distress at the U.S. Route 6 address. Authorities found Ms. Baker unconscious in a chair, surrounded by the animals, many of which were sick or covered in feces.
Prosecutors filed the charges Wednesday, and court officials say more could be filed later. The reason for the discrepancy between the number of charges and the number of animals found was not immediately available.
Ms. Baker, who was taken to Fremont Memorial Hospital for treatment after deputies discovered her that day, is next due in court Aug. 22.
Court officials said no attorney was listed.
Joanne McDowell, president of the Humane Society of Sandusky County's board, said the society has spent about $5,000 getting basic veterinary care and shots for the dogs. Twenty-three of the 35 have gone to foster homes, and she hopes the dogs will be able to be adopted soon.
Ms. McDowell said she wanted to thank Lucas County residents for their help in both donations and residents coming forward to foster the animals.
"The Toledo community has really, really been wonderful," she said.
Anyone interested in fostering one of the remaining dogs should call 419-334-4517. | Source: toledoblade.com - Aug 12, 2011
Update posted on Aug 12, 2011 - 12:21AM |
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