Local man accused of brutally stabbing puppy pleads not guilty
SANDUSKY, Ohio (WJW) — The man accused of brutally stabbing a puppy in Sandusky County pleaded not guilty to felony animal cruelty charges on Thursday morning.
Many across the viewing area are outraged and concerned after the suspect was released following just one day in jail.
Mike Smeck and Nitro's Ohio Army are pushing for change in Sandusky after the disturbing case of animal cruelty came to light on May 21.
'We want stiffer penalties,' Smeck said. 'You know, people get by with just a slap on the wrist. That's not deterring people from abusing animals.'
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Terry Thomas, 41, was set to appear in court on Thursday. He is accused of viciously stabbing his pit bull puppy, Ivy, in the face after the dog had an accident inside the house.
The 8-month-old puppy suffered serious lacerations to her face, extending from her ear to her jaw. Part of her ear was also missing.
Thomas is facing felony animal cruelty charges under Goddard's Law (F5).
He was not present in Judge Erich O'Brien's courtroom but pleaded not guilty through his public defender. A preliminary hearing has not been set.
'I don't see this getting delayed very long,' O'Brien said. 'I would anticipate it getting reset fairly quickly. Exactly when, that's going to kind of depend upon my assignment clerk, but hopefully sooner rather than later. But once again, him physically not being here isn't a big deal. As I tell people, I need the lawyer. I didn't need him.'
FOX 8 has learned that Thomas has a violent criminal history, including prior animal-related offenses dating back to 2021. A misdemeanor animal cruelty case in 2022 was set for trial but never moved forward.
He has also served time in prison for robbery, domestic violence, drug possession and other offenses.
Thomas was released after O'Brien issued a recognizance bond.
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'Due to a serious medical condition, that's the reason his bond was adjusted,' O'Brien said.
The Friendship Animal Protective League said Ivy is thankfully recovering after life-saving emergency surgery.
'Her foster says she is giving kisses, allowing belly rubs and loves to be held like a baby. She is super sweet and smart. Her stitches came out today as well,' Shelby Dowdell, communications and public relations manager for the Friendship APL, said.
Still, Nitro's Ohio Army wants change—specifically for Thomas' bond conditions to include a restriction that he not have a companion animal.
'I don't see why I can't make it a condition of his bond,' O'Brien said. 'Let me review that. If I haven't, then I certainly will.'
Thomas' next court proceeding is expected to be scheduled within the next 15 days. FOX 8 will continue to follow this story closely.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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