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3 days ago
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‘Worst I've ever seen;' Over 30 dogs, several ferrets found in area home with ‘feces inches deep'
Four people are facing over 100 charges in relation to the welfare of dozens of animals found in what officials say were 'squalid conditions.' [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The four people lived in a home at 300 Campbell Lane in Bethel, according to a release by Clermont County. Those facing charges are Terri Sprague, the owner of the home, and Sprague's son, Christopher Davis. Husband and wife, Anthony and Vicki Miller, are the other two defendants. TRENDING STORIES: Steeple collapses after fire rips through historic Catholic church US Marshals take 1 in custody after nearly 12-hour standoff' Area police chief placed on paid leave pending misconduct investigation Investigators found 34 dogs confined to a room. The dogs included a mix of breeds and ages, but mostly Chinese Crested. Dog wardens got a search warrant for the house after one of the dogs was picked up by a passerby who asked the wardens to investigate why the dog was in such poor condition. 'The conditions we saw are hard to describe, but they were the worst I've ever seen,' Deputy Dog Warden Sarah Steele said. 'The smell of feces and urine were overpowering. The floor was covered inches deep in feces and the dogs were matted in feces and urine. None of the animals had fresh food or water. Their bowls were even filled with feces.' The Clermont County Animal Shelter took the animals after they were recovered by the wardens. The defendants lost possession of the animals when they failed to post bond to cover the cost of their care at the shelter. The court set the bond at $29,250 per month. All but one dog has since been adopted or placed in foster care. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
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3 days ago
- General
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Four charged after 38 dogs, 7 ferrets found inside Bethel home filled with feces, urine
Four people have been charged in Clermont County after dozens of dogs and several ferrets were found living in "squalid" conditions in a house earlier in May. The Clermont County Dog Warden announced that four Bethel residents – Terri Sprague, Christopher Davis, Vicki Miller and Anthony Miller – are facing animal cruelty charges after 38 dogs and seven ferrets were seized and impounded from Sprague's Campbell Lane home on May 5. The warden launched an investigation on May 2 after Deputy Dog Warden Sarah Steele came into possession of a dog whose fur was stained with urine and heavily matted, according to a criminal complaint. The dog had been picked up as a stray by a local resident, who then posted about it on social media in an attempt to locate its owner. Davis, who is Sprague's son, responded to the post, identifying himself as the owner. Steele contacted Davis over the phone and coordinated a time for her to take the dog to his mother's house, where he also lived. Steele went to the house and met with Sprague, who court documents say had "feces on her clothing and reeked ofurine." She also told Steele that she had 11 other dogs inside the house. More: 'Beyond disturbing': 11 more people indicted in 'animal crush videos' case Chief Dog Warden Tim Pappas wrote in the complaint that officials were able to obtain a search warrant, which they served on May 5, based on Steele's observations and interaction with Sprague. While executing the search warrant, 34 dogs − mostly Chinese Crested but including a mix of breeds and ages − were found confined to a single room. Seven ferrets were found in a cage. Steele described the conditions as "the worst I've ever seen." More: Thousands of Ohioans are attacked by dogs each year. How to avoid bites, protect yourself 'The smell of feces and urine was overpowering," Steele said in the release. "The floor was covered inches deep in feces and the dogs were matted in feces and urine. None of the animals had fresh food or water. Their bowls were even filled with feces.' Additionally, according to the complaint, the ammonia level due to the urine was eye-watering and made it difficult to breathe. Garbage, rotting food with bugs and clothing stacked close to the ceiling were also seen in most areas of the house. Sprague, Vicki Miller and Anthony Miller were all present while the search warrant was being served. Four additional dogs were found in another room that was occupied by both Millers, who are married, according to the release. The Clermont County Animal Shelter took possession of the animals after they were recovered by the wardens. The defendants lost possession of the animals when they failed to post bond to cover the cost of their care at the shelter. The court set that bond at $29,250 per month. All but one dog has since been adopted or placed in foster care, the release said. Sprague and Vicki Miller were arraigned on May 28, the release said. Sprague is facing 41 counts of cruelty to a companion animal, a first-degree misdemeanor, with her trial date set for June 26. Vicki Miller is facing four counts of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity, and her trial date is set for June 12 Davis and Anthony Miller are slated to be arraigned in Clermont County Municipal Court on June 4, with Davis facing one count of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity. Miller faces four counts of cruelty to a companion animal and 34 counts of complicity. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 4 charged after 38 dogs, 7 ferrets found inside Clermont County home
