BATAVIA, Ohio (WKRC) — The Clermont County Dog Warden filed criminal charges of animal cruelty against four Bethel residents after 38 dogs and seven ferrets were found living in squalid conditions.
The animals were taken from a home on Campbell Lane, where 34 of the 38 dogs were confined to a single room. The dogs were a mix of breeds and ages but were predominantly Chinese Crested.
Two of the defendants, Terri Sprague and Vicki Miller, were arraigned on Wednesday. Both pleaded not guilty. Sprague, the homeowner, faces 41 counts of cruelty to a companion animal, a first-degree misdemeanor, with her trial set for June 26. Miller is charged with four counts of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity, with her trial scheduled for June 12.
Both were released on their own recognizance after posting bond.
The remaining defendants, Christopher Davis and Anthony Miller, have been served with warrants and are set to be arraigned on June 4. Davis, Sprague’s son, faces one count of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity. Anthony Miller, Vicki Miller’s husband, is charged with four counts of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity.
The investigation originally started when a local citizen found one of the dogs in poor condition and asked the dog warden for help.
A search warrant was then obtained, and upon entering the home, the wardens discovered deplorable conditions that the animals were living in.
“The conditions we saw are hard to describe, but they were the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Deputy Dog Warden Sarah Steele. “The smell of feces and urine was overpowering. The floor was covered inches deep in feces, and the dogs were matted in feces and urine. None of the animals had fresh food or water. Their bowls were even filled with feces.”
The Clermont County Animal Shelter took possession of the animals, and the defendants lost custody after failing to post a bond of $29,250 per month for their care. All but one dog has since been adopted or placed in foster care.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our team for their dedication throughout this situation,” said Kiarah Swartz, kennel administrator. “From consistently following proper kennel procedures to making quick, effective decisions and working tirelessly to place dogs into homes or with nonprofit rescues—every effort made a difference. Situations like this can put immense strain on staff, but this team went above and beyond their core responsibilities. Their commitment has truly set a powerful standard for teamwork and collaboration at our shelter.”
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