Ohio dog wardens want changes to state law. Hear what they said
Every Ohio county has a dog warden but how they operate, and how they’re trained, varies by county. Wardens wants some changes to Ohio’s dog laws.
Four people have been charged in Clermont County after dozens of dogs and several ferrets were found living in “squalid” conditions in a house earlier in May.
The Clermont County Dog Warden announced that four Bethel residents – Terri Sprague, Christopher Davis, Vicki Miller and Anthony Miller – are facing animal cruelty charges after 38 dogs and seven ferrets were seized and impounded from Sprague’s Campbell Lane home on May 5.
The warden launched an investigation on May 2 after Deputy Dog Warden Sarah Steele came into possession of a dog whose fur was stained with urine and heavily matted, according to a criminal complaint. The dog had been picked up as a stray by a local resident, who then posted about it on social media in an attempt to locate its owner.
Davis, who is Sprague’s son, responded to the post, identifying himself as the owner. Steele contacted Davis over the phone and coordinated a time for her to take the dog to his mother’s house, where he also lived.
Steele went to the house and met with Sprague, who court documents say had “feces on her clothing and reeked ofurine.” She also told Steele that she had 11 other dogs inside the house.
Chief Dog Warden Tim Pappas wrote in the complaint that officials were able to obtain a search warrant, which they served on May 5, based on Steele’s observations and interaction with Sprague.
While executing the search warrant, 34 dogs − mostly Chinese Crested but including a mix of breeds and ages − were found confined to a single room. Seven ferrets were found in a cage. Steele described the conditions as “the worst I’ve ever seen.”
“The smell of feces and urine was overpowering,” Steele said in the release. “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.”
Additionally, according to the complaint, the ammonia level due to the urine was eye-watering and made it difficult to breathe. Garbage, rotting food with bugs and clothing stacked close to the ceiling were also seen in most areas of the house.
Sprague, Vicki Miller and Anthony Miller were all present while the search warrant was being served. Four additional dogs were found in another room that was occupied by both Millers, who are married, according to the release.
The Clermont County Animal Shelter took possession of the animals after they were recovered by the wardens. The defendants lost possession of the animals when they failed to post bond to cover the cost of their care at the shelter. The court set that bond at $29,250 per month.
All but one dog has since been adopted or placed in foster care, the release said.
Sprague and Vicki Miller were arraigned on May 28, the release said. Sprague is facing 41 counts of cruelty to a companion animal, a first-degree misdemeanor, with her trial date set for June 26. Vicki Miller is facing four counts of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity, and her trial date is set for June 12
Davis and Anthony Miller are slated to be arraigned in Clermont County Municipal Court on June 4, with Davis facing one count of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity. Miller faces four counts of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity.
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