April 17, 2024 News Update

Statement from HSDC
April 17, 2024

At a hearing held this morning in Delaware County Municipal Court, Judge Marianne Hemmeter awarded the Delaware County Dog Warden custody of the 40 dogs taken from a property on Kilbourne Road on Sunday, April 7th. The Warden is expected to transfer custody of 20 of the dogs to the Humane Society of Delaware County today. These 20 dogs were already under HSDC’s care.

“Getting ownership of the 20 dogs already in our care gives us the greenlight to move forward with preparing them for future adoptions, including performing spays and neuters and, for those dogs who need it, dealing with dental concerns. We had already addressed other basics, such as vaccines and necessary medical treatments.

“Thank you to everyone in the community for your wonderful support of these pups. We are incredibly grateful for the financial donations already received, and we also deeply appreciate the veterinary clinics that have stepped up to offer free medical services.

“In addition to an estimated $14,000 in additional monthly care expenses, HSDC staff will be working with identified behaviorists with expertise in unsocialized dogs. As many understand, dogs who have not been socialized around humans or lived inside a home will need a lot of time and training. Teaming experienced trainers with our staff will help ensure these dogs are not failed by humans again. It is our goal to ensure these pups get the training needed to be a great pet.

“It will take time and love to prepare these dogs for adoption. Again, thank you to the community for your support and concern.”

For further information, please contact:
Jana Cassidy 740.369.7387

 

Statement from HSDC
April 8, 2024

On Sunday, April 7, 2024, the Humane Society of Delaware County (HSDC), an independent nonprofit organization, collaborated with the Delaware County Dog Warden to execute a search warrant and subsequently remove 40 dogs from a home in Delaware County. While the Delaware County Dog Warden is the lead agency in this case, HSDC assisted with securing and transporting the dogs and is currently caring for 13 of them, providing food, shelter, and interim veterinary services to keep them safe and healthy. Until the case is adjudicated, HSDC cannot provide additional case-specific information.

The following is an interim statement from Jana Cassidy, Executive Director:

“We understand and share the community’s concern about this case and the dogs taken from this property. Our team worked quickly yesterday to help safely transport and provide veterinary care, shelter, and food for all 40 dogs, including the 13 that are currently on site with us.

“One of the most challenging issues we face is the ability of any humane agent to take action that adheres to Ohio laws regarding animal welfare. While we cannot provide additional specifics on this situation while legal action is pending, we can reassure everyone that we do everything we can to keep all animals safe and healthy, and we take legal action whenever we have the standing to do so. Just last year, we investigated 110 potential cases and rescued 28 animals, responding to a 17% increase in the number of complaints of abuse and neglect – all with three part-time humane agents.

“Over the last five years, HSDC have cared for nearly 8,700 animals because of the generosity of our hundreds of donors and volunteers. We are so grateful for their support, and for the way they stepped in to help with this case and so many others. All of us believe in protecting the health and safety of Delaware County people and their pets.”