Pickaway County Sheriff's Office accompanied Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA ) officials to a farm in Tarlton, Ohio Monday morning where approximately 50 dogs were found living in horrible conditions, with cages and water bowls full of feces. The Pickaway County Dog Warden turned over jurisdiction of the case to the Ohio SPCA once it was determined that no dogs were vicious.
The Ohio SPCA was unavailable for comment, but conversation with Pickaway County Assistant Prosecutor Matt O'Leary revealed that while it's early in the investigation, Jonas Beachy could be facing misdemeanor charges through municipal court from the Circleville City Prosecutor's Office, or possibly felony charges filed by the county.
While it is unknown whether Beachy, a father of 12, is Amish, there is a large Amish population in Pickaway County. Some Amish have earned a reputation of raising dogs for sale, many of which are nothing but the most crude operations intent on making a profit, with little thought to the welfare of the animals.
The dogs seized in Tarlton were all small breeds -- Chihuahua, Pekingese, Dachshund and Pomeranian. It is unknown where they are being transported to, but it is anticipated that foster homes will be needed. More information will be provided as the investigation continues.
