A room at the Humane Society has been turned into temporary housing for dozens of ducks, bunnies, chickens and turkeys. They are also caring for dogs, cats and pigs from the home in Holland.
Nancy Schilb is a Cruelty Investigator, "It has been extremely busy so far this year. It hasn't even been that hot yet this summer and we are getting into some major issues."
All the animals were taken from a house in Holland yesterday. Two horses were also found on the property. One of them is in foster care tonight and the other horse had to be euthanized.
Schilb said he was covered in cuts and extremely dehydrated, "He could not get up. He was kicking and his head was thrashing. His head was in a ditch that had some water in it. His eye was filled with mud and there was mud all over his teeth."
Two Humane Society investigators cover all of Lucas County. They go on about 2,000 calls a year and they seize about 25% of the animals. In the rest of the cases either there is no law being broken or the owners make the necessary changes to the situation. Gary Willoughby is the Executive Director, "We're out there to help people who have good intentions but may not have the resources or the education at their disposal."
Willoughby says the Holland case is just one of a number of big seizures in recent months, "We have had about 7 different hoarding cases just since this spring. It seems like once we get some of the animals adopted and take a deep breath then another case like this comes along, but that is why we are here and there are a lot of happy endings."
Investigators say they are seeing a bit of a spike in the number of alleged horse abuse cases, "There is so much that goes into having horse like vet care, fencing and shelter. You also have to have enough space. It costs a lot more and takes a lot more time and knowledge than people may realize. A horse is not a big dog." And if you need help with any animal, Willoughby says call before the situation gets out of control, "We don't want to be busting down doors with search warrants seizing animals.
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| Suspect Jennifer Davenport |
We would rather prevent this ahead of time." Willoughby says there is help with low cost spay/neuter surgeries through Humane Ohio. There is also help available with food for your pets. Willoughby says the Humane Society can help with behavioral and educational issues as well as placement.
Investigators expect to file charges against Jennifer Davenport in connection with the Holland case early next week. Those charges will likely include animal cruelty and unsanitary living conditions. The house on the property has been condemned by the Health Department.
If you'd like to volunteer, foster animals or make a donation at the Humane Society click here.
Willoughby also points out that you should not hesitate to report suspected cases of animal cruelty to your local Humane Society. You can remain anonymous.
(13ABC - Aug 3, 2014)
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