Neglected, dead dogs, filth found in search of Marietta home

OHIO -- Deputies said the search of a Marietta home on Thursday led to the discovery of several neglected and malnourished dogs and five others that were dead and in various states of decay.

Arrested was Alicia D. Fryman, 28, of 117 Muskingum Drive, Marietta, on one count of cruelty to animals. She is being held on $750 bond and is expected to appear in Marietta Municipal Court today for an arraignment.

 

Washington County Sheriff's Deputy Kelly Schubert said Fryman will eventually face several counts of cruelty to animals, for failing to register her dogs, for having no kennel license and for child endangering.

Also, Schubert said a summons is expected to be requested for Victor Thompson III, no age listed, of 117 Muskingum Drive, for identical charges.

"He claimed he wasn't living there but we found evidence that clearly shows this was his address," Schubert said. "He left before we found that evidence."

The child endangering charges relate to the living conditions in the home.

"(Fryman) has a 4-year-old son who was at daycare during the search of the home," Schubert said.

"This home was not fit for a child to be living in given the condition it was in, with feces and urine everywhere ... There were deputies who couldn't go in the home for the stench. It burned your eyes to go inside."

Schubert said at least one deputy vomited from the stench while in the basement of the home.

Washington County Children Services was also called to investigate the case, Schubert said.

In all, officers said seven adult boxers and three boxer puppies were rescued from the home. The dead dogs appeared to have all been 2 to 3 months old, Schubert said.

The search was initiated after a tip was emailed to Schubert, who recently took over the duties of the county dog warden, but retains part of her role as a deputy.

Schubert said Fryman was initially cooperative but began to clam up when asked about looking in her basement or upstairs. Eventually a search warrant was obtained, which led to the discovery of the dead dogs and others living in deplorable conditions.

"Fryman claims she was not breeding but when I went upstairs I found adult females with puppies, heat lamps and business cards with her name and her title listed as a breeder," Schubert said.

Breeding dogs is not illegal but animals have to have proper tags, or the owner should have a kennel license. Also, animal owners are responsible for providing their pets with fresh food, water and a safe and sanitary living area.

Schubert said two dogs were living in one crate with no food or water and covered in feces. Another, she said, was extremely underweight. The remaining dogs appeared to be generally healthy but were not living in a safe place, the deputy said.

"Some of the dogs she claimed she only had a few weeks, which would explain why they weren't as bad off," she said.

(The Marietta Times - January 6, 2012)