Hoarder Owner Dies, Pets in Desperate Condition

HSAC received a call from the local Adams County Sheriff Department that the body of a man had been found inside his residence along a rural road in Peebles, Ohio. The cause of death is believed to be natural. It is not known at this time if Covid-19 was a factor. The man lived alone and had accumulated twelve dogs, multiple cats, three goats, and multiple chickens on his property. Many of the animals were discovered to be underfed and living in squalid conditions. The dogs' temperaments range from friendly to semi-feral, having been allowed to roam at-will throughout the refuse-strewn property. Other dogs kept inside a trailer on the property were found to be living inside cages, standing in up to 12 inches of their own excrement. One large brindle animal was been held outdoors in a filthy wire cage too small for him to stand with only a plastic tarp for shelter from the wind and rain. James McDonald, Humane Agent for the Humane Society of Adams County, and Donnie Swayne, Dog Warden with the Adams County Dog & Kennel Department, spent hours in the dreary cold working side by side with volunteers to remove the remaining animals from the property.

The rescued animals are being cared for at the HSAC animal shelter in West Union and in foster homes. They will be examined by a licensed veterinarian and treated for their ailments, which range from an infected eye in one puppy to severe emaciation in some of the animals. Behavioral rehabilitation will be needed to coax a number of the most timid dogs to trust humans before they can be adopted, which could take weeks or even months. Once the animals are out of immediate danger, they will be vaccinated, sterilized, and made available for adoption into loving homes. HSAC is asking for donations to help give these innocent victims a second chance at good lives. Please consider a small donation to help the animal shelter cover their needs because animals should not have to pay the price for human mistakes.