Cincinnati Animal CARE and Hamilton County dog wardens are asking for the public's help after surveillance video appeared to capture a man attacking a dog at McMicken Playground in Clifton yesterday morning. The shelter says the footage appears to show the man striking the animal and putting his hands around the dog's neck.
Video Shared By Shelter Triggers Investigation
The clip was posted publicly and quickly prompted Hamilton County deputy dog wardens to open an investigation. The footage appears to show a man walking up to a younger, black pit bull-type mix and striking it at about 9:43 a.m., according to WLWT.
Who Officials Are Trying To Identify
According to officials and the shelter, the man they are looking for is believed to be in his late 20s to 30s, weighing around 175 pounds, with reddish-blond hair that may be thinning toward the back of his head. Cincinnati Animal CARE is asking anyone with information to contact the Hamilton County dog warden tip line at 513.541.PETS (7387) and reference the McMicken Playground incident.
What Ohio Law Says
Under Ohio law, it is illegal to knowingly cause serious physical harm to a companion animal, and the offense can carry felony penalties under Ohio Revised Code Section 959.131. The statute defines serious physical harm as including injuries that create a substantial risk of death, cause permanent incapacity, or result in prolonged pain, according to the Ohio Revised Code.
How The Public Can Help
Authorities say that if you witnessed the incident or captured video, you should not confront the man seen in the footage. Instead, they urge people to contact the Hamilton County dog wardens or the shelter and provide any tips related to the case. Shelter officials have asked callers to reference the McMicken Playground incident and say those who prefer to send digital files can email tips to [email protected], WLWT reports. For additional contact details and shelter resources, visit Cincinnati Animal CARE.
