Kennel neglect Springfield, OH (US) Incident Date: Friday, Jul 29, 2005 County: Clark Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: » Irene C. Fry » Lawrence D. Fry

Case ID: 5557 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in OH (US) Suspect was in animal welfare field Login to Watch this Case

The Clark County Humane Society board of directors unanimously voted to hire J. Jeffrey Holland of Akron to prosecute their case against Irene and Lawrence Fry.

The agency's hope is that Holland, who specializes in animal law, will be able to move the case through the court system quickly.

The Humane Society acquired more than 75 dogs after the Frys' kennel was raided July 29 because of citizen complaints about uncleanliness and sickness. In 1997, Irene Fry was convicted on two counts of animal cruelty. However, her husband wasn't, and he continued to operate the kennel.

The Frys now face two counts of animal cruelty.

Ed Sisler, Humane Society executive director, said it is time for the situation to be over. In the previous trial with Irene Fry, he said procedures took too long and drained the agency's financial reserves.

The Humane Society cared for 61 animals � mostly dogs � for more than 200 days, which cost at least $92,000 in 1997.

"This case is repeating itself," he said. "I think we need to take a stronger stand, which is why we need a special prosecutor."

Sisler said it costs about $14 a day to care for a dog at the shelter, and so far, veterinary costs and medications for the 70-plus dogs has reached more than $5,000. The grand total for medical care to the canines is anticipated to be about $20,000, because the animals have long-term health needs, he said.

When brought to the shelter, the dogs carried severe infections and diseases � sarcoptic mange (equivalent to scabies in humans), hair loss and open sores.

Lisa Stanley, who volunteers at the shelter, said all the dogs have been treated for mange and open sores but need human care and compassion.

"At this point in the game we get to mental issues, because dogs don't do well long-term in shelters. There are a lot of changes, a lot of stress," she said. "We have to give them a reason to get up every morning."

Volunteers and members of the Humane Society foster some of the dogs or donate time to give extra attention to individual dogs.

The animals have to remain in the shelter until the case is processed, causing the kennels to remain full and making it difficult to take in other animals for adoption, Sisler said.

The organization is accepting monetary and in-kind donations to assist in caring for the canines.

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