500+ rats, mice & other animals removed from home Akron, OH (US) Incident Date: Sunday, Apr 30, 2000 County: Summit Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Abuser/Suspect: Sebastian Smith III

Case ID: 7712 Classification: Hoarding Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull), bird (pet), reptile, rodent/small mammal (pet), rabbit (pet) View more cases in OH (US) Child or elder neglect Login to Watch this Case

Sebastian Smith III, of Akron cried on Monday when he heard his sentence; no more animals. The sentence was given after more than 500 rats, mice and other animals were removed from his home.

Smith III pleaded no contest to four counts of animal cruelty and one count of child endangering in Akron Municipal Court. Judge Lynne Callahan found him guilty.

Some of the animals were packed so tightly in his home that they were feeding on each other. Inspectors said the home was filled with clutter, animal feces, and feed on the floor. Smith said he was breeding the rodents to sell to pet stores for snake food.

Smith's plea was in exchange for not going to jail. He agreed to give up custody of all the animals that were taken from his home with the exception of the poodle that belongs to his 11 year old daughter.

Before imposing the sentence, the judge asked if he had anything to say. Smith replied, "I can't say nothing" with tears running down his face. Judge Callahan gave him a tissue, but also gave him a severe lecture about the condition of his home.

"No child deserves to live in those kind of conditions." The judge warned Smith he will go to jail unless he keeps up his home. He will have to comply with conditions set by the Children Services before he can regain custody of his daughter who has been placed with a relative.

Callahan sentenced Smith to 180 days in jail on the child endangering charge but then suspended the sentence. She also ordered him to pay $100 fine and court costs.

She ordered him to pay $1,000 in restitution to the Humane Society of Greater Akron for the care it had provided his animals.

Smith said his sentence is "unfair."

Smith was called an "animal lover" and said he has worked as a veterinary assistant. He just got in over his head.

The Humane Society said it was the second time they had cleaned out his home referencing a 1997 inspection.

The fate of Smith's animals particularly the rodents has not been decided.

The humane society hopes to find homes for the dogs, cats and gerbils. Some of the other animals, including birds, rabbits, a turtle and a boa constrictor will likely be placed with local animal rescue groups.

The humane society will have to discuss what to do about the 333 rats and 146 mice.

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References

Akron Beacon Journal - May 18, 2000

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