50-year-old Robert Rife was found with the dogs at 319 S. Western Ave. in a garage where his living space appeared to be approximately eight feet by 10 feet in size on May 20, authorities said.
Clark County Humane Society Agent Krista Hawke wrote in her report that she had been contacted by Clark County law enforcement regarding a dog the society had picked up while responding to a call about three dogs running at large. The found dog was a black female pit-bull mix named Girl Girl. She was not in good health, according to the humane society.
The black pit-bull mix led Hawke to the property of Daniel Rife with Robert Rife, the owner of the dogs, living in his garage with 11 other animals, according to the humane society.
“He had a total of 12 dogs living with him in this little itsy bitsy garage and that housing was just deplorable,” Director of the Clark County Humane Society James Straley said. “It was too small of a space for 12 dogs and himself.”
The remaining animals suffered from issues such as neurological problems which prevented them from walking, open and infected wounds from fighting, and lack of nutrients.
“Those were all very easily treatable but he chose not to give them basic care,” Straley said.
All of the animals were taken and treated by the humane society.
Rife’s bond was set at $5,000, according to Clark County Municipal Court records.
(WHIO - July 11, 2012)
