In a distressing case of animal neglect, Ann Shatto of Pierce Township has been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after over 40 animals were discovered in dismal conditions at her Clermont County residence. According to FOX19, Shatto faces five counts of cruelty to animals in the first degree and two counts of cruelty in the second degree.
The situation came to light on Sept. 20 when Pierce Township police received calls about the welfare of animals on Nine Mile Tobasco Road. Upon arrival at the property, officers were greeted by the barking dogs' cacophony and a palpable feces stench. Despite initial resistance to police entry by Shatto upon her return to town, a search revealed around 40 dogs crated and stacked within an unfurnished room. Five of these dogs were in particularly grave condition, as noted in the body camera footage that prompted the Clermont County Prosecutor's Office to recommend immediate action.
Upon execution of a search warrant last Friday, as reported by WLWT, officials found the animals living in what Police Chief Paul Broxterman described as "deplorable conditions," with a flea infestation rife throughout the house. The outside of the property did not fare much better, with five underweight donkeys also discovered, one of which was lying on the ground in distress and subsequently had to be euthanized due to organ failure.
Clermont County Animal Control took the animals into their care, with the dogs and cats now housed at the Clermont County Animal Shelter and the donkeys taken to Fighting Chance Rescue. The overall well-being of the rescued animals, still under assessment, painted a grim picture. Four of the dogs were notably emaciated and suffering from skin conditions related to the infestation, with markings from the kennels could also be observed on these dogs, as detailed in the police report obtained by WCPO. Aesthetic considerations aside, this exacerbates the urgency of their medical needs.
The financial toll of care for these neglected animals has been estimated by police reports at a substantial $35,000 for the dogs and cats and an additional $4,000 for the donkeys within just one month, reflecting the extensive care required to rehabilitate them from their neglected state. As of now, Ann Shatto awaits her arraignment, with neighbors expressing disbelief at the cruelty and neglect that unfolded in their midst, encapsulated by Clermont County neighbor Johndare Andrews' statement to WLWT, "Really stop hurting animals because animal abuse is not OK."
