CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A Ross County man faces multiple charges of animal cruelty after authorities discovered 47 dogs locked in makeshift cages without doors, forcing them to live in squalor, according to the Ross County Sheriff’s Office.
On October 18, 2024, law enforcement responded to a property on Chapel Creek Road, where they assisted the Ross County Humane Society with an investigation into reports of animal cruelty. Upon arrival, authorities observed 47 canines confined in pens with no entry or exit points. The dogs were allegedly forced to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves in the same enclosed area, as they had no access to food or water bowls.
Craig Hatton, the resident of the property, demonstrated to authorities how he would dump food over the top of the cages, leaving the dogs to eat off the ground, which was reportedly littered with their own urine and feces. Additionally, investigators discovered three crates containing felines—two crates each held two live cats along with one deceased cat, while a third crate housed three live cats. All the animals were living in unsanitary conditions.
Further inspection of the property revealed crates with chickens, also in poor conditions, authorities said. The Fayette County Humane Society arrived on scene and took custody of the cats, while the Ross County Humane Society began the process of removing the dogs and chickens.
Hatton was arrested and transported to the Ross County Jail. The Ross County Humane Society plans to file charges of animal cruelty against him. Authorities plan to return to the property to rescue the remaining dogs.
The investigation is ongoing, and Hatton could face additional charges as the case progresses.
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