Humane Society of Greater Dayton agents say they walked into a small Dayton home and walked out with 137 animals, many of them crammed into dirty, overcrowded cages. The haul included dozens of guinea pigs and chinchillas, along with a few birds, rabbits, a frog, a hamster and a single dog. Shelter staff report that some enclosures did not have food or water, several animals appeared to have parasitic infestations and many had severely overgrown nails. A seizure hearing to decide permanent custody of the animals is set for March 17 in Dayton Municipal Court.
What investigators found
According to the Journal-News, agents removed 137 animals on March 5, including 92 guinea pigs and 33 chinchillas, plus five cockatiels, four rabbits, one frog, one hamster and one dog. Reporters said humane investigators hauled 99 cages out of the house and documented heavy rodent and insect infestations, dry water bottles and multiple animals squeezed into single enclosures.
Health concerns and shelter care
The Humane Society’s veterinary team is now working through medical exams and treatment plans for lice, infections, nail overgrowth and other health issues, WHIO reports. Brian Weltge, the society’s president and CEO, described the home as “an extremely challenging environment” and said staff are focusing on nutrition and medical care as the animals stabilize. The agency also noted it has a licensed social worker on staff to help address the mental health and behavioral issues that often come with hoarding cases.
Legal next steps
A seizure hearing to determine permanent custody of the animals is scheduled for March 17 in Dayton Municipal Court, according to local reporting, and the outcome will decide whether the animals stay under the humane society’s care long term. Initial coverage of the rescue appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer, which noted that the agency has not publicly confirmed whether any criminal charges or arrests are tied to the case. The court hearing will be the next opportunity for officials to lay out evidence and for a judge to rule on custody and what happens to the animals next.
Not the first time and how you can help
The humane society says this March rescue follows other large neglect investigations this winter. In January, agents removed 33 animals from another Dayton home that was later condemned, according to the organization’s account. Caring for so many small animals at once takes significant resources, and the Humane Society of Greater Dayton is asking for donations to support medical care, food and housing through its online donation page. Anyone who sees signs of animal cruelty or who is overwhelmed caring for multiple pets can contact the humane society at 937-268-PETS (7387) for guidance and intervention.
