Saturday, August 8, 2020

Steffen Baldwin update 8/8/2020 An astonishing investigation, Ohio law enforcement is not playing with this man.

Per the Columbus Dispatch,  Ohio law enforcement agencies invested over 13,000 (this is a correction, first reports were incorrect) hours in the Baldwin investigation.  Ohio taxpayers are paying for this. California law enforcement has an investment here as well, heaven knows how much. 

"Campbell police detective Jim Conroy said he and agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Department of Public Safety and Union County sheriff’s office spent more than 30,000 hours on the case."

Baldwin is being held at the Tri-County Regional Jail in Mechanicsville on a $200,000 bond.

Per the Columbus Dispatch "“People are rightfully upset,” said David Phillips, Union County prosecutor." 

Yes, people are upset and for a variety of reasons.  The cruelty, the theft by deception, the blatant fraud, AND the cost of the investigation.   This was no shoestring operation.

Tri-County_Photo_1.JPG
Tri-County Regional Jail, Baldwin's current residence.


Baldwin's mugshot from the Tri-County Regional Jail.  Here is a link to Baldwin's booking information, his jail resume.

Ohio law enforcement is not playing with this man.  This is a fine thing. 

The Baldwin case has made the national news.  The Hill covered it today.  



Friday, August 7, 2020

Seven-month-old Akron child killed by family pit bull. Update 12/14/2020, no charges and the pit bull is still alive.

8/7/2020
Akron Ohio
Summit County.



A seven-month-old boy being watched by his grandmother was attacked by the family pit bull Friday afternoon.  The boy was transported to Akron Children's Hospital but has died.

The child's grandmother was also bitten by the dog but she refused treatment.

Summit County Animal Control is holding the pit bull. No charges will be filed.  

There are no further details at this time.  An autopsy was performed but results are not available at this time. 

This is the nineteenth fatal dog attack in Ohio since the Ohio Legislature passed HB 14, the bill that was written by Utah based Best Friends Animal Society deregulating pit bulls and rewriting Ohio dangerous dog laws.  Ohio residents were assured that HB 14 would make Ohio communities safer.  In the eight years since HB 14 was passed Ohio has seen 12 fatal pit bull attacks and 7 fatal dog attacks by all other breeds combined.  In the full decade prior to the passage of HB 14, there were 5 fatal dog attacks in Ohio.  Sound safer to anyone?

Akron does regulate pit bulls, here is the text of Akron law dealing with pit bulls. 

E.
Any person owning, keeping, possessing, harboring, maintaining, or having the care, custody, or control of a Pit Bull, Canary Dog or American Bulldog or vicious dog shall:
1.
Identify the dog by having the dog wear, at all times, a fluorescent green collar available upon payment of a fee, from Customer Service;
2.
Post on the premises, in a conspicuous place where the dog is kept, at least one city-issued warning sign available, upon payment of a fee, from Customer Service. The sign shall be visible and capable of being read from the public highway or street;
3.
Identify the dog by having the dog tattooed with a code number provided by the Customer Service Division;
4.
Notify the Customer Service Division within twenty-four hours if the Pit Bull, Canary Dog or American Bulldog or vicious dog has died or has been sold or donated, and provide the Customer Service Division with the name, address, and telephone number of the new owner;
5.
Keep the dog secured at all times by one of the following means:
a.
Keep the dog inside the owner's home;
b.
Keep the dog in a locked enclosure which has a top, and has a concrete base with the fencing securely attached or anchored to the concrete perimeter to a depth of six inches;
c.
Keep the dog muzzled and on a chain-link leash that is not more than six feet in length which is held in the hand of a person who is of suitable age and discretion and is outside with the dog.
6.
Pay a fee and annually, between January 2 and January 20, and whenever a dog is newly obtained, register the dog with the Customer Service Division; at the time of registration provide proof of liability insurance with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in this state providing coverage in each occurrence, subject to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than fifty thousand dollars because of damage or bodily injury to or death of a person caused by the dog and shall provide a certificate of insurance to Customer Service at the time the collar required by § 92.25(E)(1) is obtained;
7.
Ensure that the dog does not go unconfined on the premises of another or be at large within the city;
8.
Annually license the dog, if the dog is more than three months of age, with the County Auditor. Failure of any dog at any time to wear a valid license tag shall be prima facie evidence of lack of licensing;
9.
Vaccinate the dog against rabies by a licensed veterinarian at least once every three years; a tag indicating that said dog has been vaccinated against rabies must be worn by the dog at all times. Failure of any dog at any time to wear the rabies vaccination tag issued by the licensed veterinarian who administered the vaccine shall be prima facie evidence of the dog's lack of vaccination against rabies;
10.
Provide two color photos of the dog to Customer Service at the time the collar required by § 92.25(E)(1) is obtained. Provide one color photo of dog showing the tattoo number after the dog has been tattooed.


12/14/2020 Update - Police state that there will be no charges.  The Pit bull is apparently still alive and being held by Summit County Animal Control. 

Why?   

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Getting real in Ohio.

Image may contain: 1 person, sitting and indoor

Photo from the Marysville Journal-Tribune. The Journal-Tribune has official permission to be in the courtroom to photograph and write about the Baldwin trial.  The trial is expected to last for up to two weeks.  Excellent!

There is a great deal of national and local interest in this trial.   This IS a meltdown that anyone could see coming. 

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Steffen Baldwin update 8/5/2020

Image may contain: 1 person, beard and closeup
Steffen Baldwin booking photo.

Steffen Baldwin is apparently back in Ohio with a $200,000 bond.  Here is a link to news coverage.  A jury trial is expected in late October. 

This is getting real.

Update 8/6/2020

More details, click here.  It just keeps getting worse. 

Friday, July 31, 2020

News coverage from the Marysville Journal-Tribune on Steffen Baldwin's arrest and charges. Baldwin faces a possible 81 years in prison.


The article is behind a paywall but it is worth the 49 cent price, WAY worth it!  Spend the 49 cents, you won't be sorry but you will be angry. 

https://www.marysvillejt.com/news/animal-advocate-indicted-for-cruelty/?fbclid=IwAR2l9XvcEYscRTfdGg9BDSgU4Xrv9fjfTCOuW2c1MhjGis7dmF7rrvCtJLQ

Image may contain: 1 person, standing and indoor, text that says 'FIGHT ME MIKE VICK!'

A quote from the article.  "“I am not sure we are ever going to know the total number of animals he killed,” said Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips. “I certainly think the total exceeds the number of indictments. ”

Here is another " Phillips said Baldwin would allegedly tell people he was taking dogs into rescue or adopt them.

“Then he would raise money for these dogs – for their care, for their adoption, for their training – but had allegedly euthanized them,” Phillips said.

He said Baldwin had, “a pattern of lying to people to raise money.”

The indictments indicate Baldwin took funds from a variety of animal shelters, organizations and individuals throughout the state and nation.

“The allegations indicate the money he raised for the animals, even after they were euthanized were used for his personal expenses,” Phillips said, listing gifts for his girlfriend as well as strip clubs.

The indictments also allege Baldwin lied on his resume to get his position in Union County and that he lied on court documents, saying he was bit by an aggressive dog.

Also included in the indictment is the allegation that he stole a handgun from an animal rescue task force."

What the hell, here is another "(Phillips) said that when it was time to serve the indictment and arrest Baldwin, police in California invited Baldwin to conduct an animal training for the department. When Baldwin arrived, U.S. Marshals arrested him."  Picture it.  

8/1/2020 Update

We had forgotten about this and it deserves to be seen again.  My thanks to the advocate who saved
and posted it today. 
Image may contain: 1 person, text that says 'Steffen Baldwin credits hissof side discovering calling Only a punk would hurt a cat or dog. show your soft side Foegayytr'

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Another "Meltdown that Anyone Could See Coming" episode. Steffen Baldwin arrested in California, a total of 42 charges. This is huge!


No shocker here, after a years-long investigation in Ohio, Steffen Baldwin was arrested last week and is currently being held in jail awaiting extradition to Ohio.  Screenshots of the charges are posted below.

Baldwin is no stranger to this blog.  We have watched his activity since he arrived in Ohio, an ambitious small-timer virtue signaling and self-promoting.  We have seen him set up rescues and semi-official humane law enforcement schemes.  We have seen these efforts dissolve without explanation.  We have seen Baldwin start businesses that failed.  We saw Baldwin's star rise, he began traveling Ohio highways to distant communities considering or defending their own public safety breed-regulation laws. Baldwin made foolish and fact-free speeches to city councils about the moral failure of the very BSL that was protecting local residents. Baldwin never wasted a single moment considering the suffering of pit bull victims, both human and animal.

What we never saw was how Baldwin financed all this, who was paying the bills?  We saw Baldwin and his currently-awaiting-trial close friend and associate Luke Westerman set up a Pit Bull PAC titled Ohioans Against Breed Discrimination with the goal of raising 5 million dollars to finance a ballot initiative to promote an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Ohio to prohibit any Ohio community from passing or enforcing any breed-specific legislation.  There is not much of a money trail on this one.  An effort to raise the 5 million came up short, very short.  The hoped-for millions did not roll in, the fundraising page raised less than seven hundred dollars over many months and was quietly shut down. 

Baldwin and Westerman announced yet another jointly organized rescue, Pets Alive to be located in the Columbus area.  This one never got off the ground at all. 

Baldwin worked hard to create a personal link with Best Friends Animal Society and The Animal Farm Foundation, joyfully announcing his selection as an intern at the AFF. In actuality, this appears more like a four-day seminar but who is criticizing? I mention these links for a purpose.  Baldwin worked hard to create relationships with the powerful and those powerful partners share in Baldwin's downfall. 

Image may contain: phone, text that says '74% 11:41 Party Charge Information Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 2921.02(B)- F3 Counts: BRIBERY Original Charge BRIBERY (F3) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 2: 2913.05(A)- F4 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Counts: Original Charge TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD (F4) Amended Charge Baldwin Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge #3: 2913.42(A)(1)-F WITH RECORDS Counts: TAMPERING Original Charge 2913.42(A)(1) TAMPERING WITH RECORDS (F3) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 2913.42(A)(2) F3 WITH ECOS TAMPERING'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:41 Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 4: 2913 42(A)(2)- WITH RECORDS Counts: TAMPERING Original Charge 2913.42(A)(2) TAMPERING WITH RECORDS (F3) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 5: 2913.42(A)(1)-F3 WITH Counts: TAMPERING Original Charge 2913.42(A)(1) TAMPERING WITH RECORDS (F3) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 6: WITH RECORDS Counts: TAMPERING Original Charge 2913.42(A)(2) TAMPERING WITH RECORDS (F3) Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 2921.13(A)(3) Misdemeanor 1st Degree SIFICATION'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:42 Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge #7: 2921.13(A)(3) Misdemeanor 1st Degree FALSIFICATION Counts: Original Charge 2921.13(A)(3) FALSIFICATION (Misdemeanor 1st Degree) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 8: 0959.131(E)(1)-F5 CRUELTY To OMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 0959.1 (E)(1) CRUELTY To COMPANION ANIMALS (F5) Amended Charge DEFENDANT Baldwin, Steffen Evan Charge 9: 2913.05(A) F5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Counts: Original Charge 05(A) TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 10: 2913. 2913.05(A)- F5'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '74% 11:42 Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 10: 2913.05(A) F5 TLCMMUNICATIONSRAUD Counts: Original Charge 2913.05(A) TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD (F5) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan- DEFENDANT Charge # 11: 2913.05(A) F5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD FRAUD Counts: Original Charge 05(A) TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD FRAUD (F5) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 0959.131(E)(1)-F5 CRUELTY To COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 131(E)(1) CRUELTY To COMPANION ANIMALS (F5) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 13: 2913.02(A)(1)#14-F3 GRAND'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:42A DEFENDANT Baldwin, Steffen Charge 13: 2913.02(A)(1) GRAND THEFT WHEN PROPERTY IS FIREARM OR DANGEROUS Counts: Original Charge 3.02(A)(1) GRAND THEFT WHEN PROPERTY IS FIREARM RDANGEROUS Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 14: 2921.51(B).1 Misdemeanor 4th Degree MPERSONATION PEACE OFFICER OR PRIVATE POLICE Counts: Original Charge 2921.51(B). IMPERSONATION OF A PEACE OFFICE PRIVATE POLICE (Misdemeanor 4th Degree) Amended Charge DEFENDANT Baldwin, Steffen Evan Charge 15: 2921.13(A)(10) Misdemeanor1s Degree FALSIFICATION Counts: Original Charge 2921.13(A)(10) LSIFICATION (Misdemeanor 1st Degree) Amended Charge'
Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:42 Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 16: 2913.05(A)- F5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Counts: Original Charge 2913. 05(A) TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 17: 2913.05(A) F5 ECOMMUNICATIC ONS FRAUD FRAUD Counts: Original Charge 05(A) TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD (F5) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 18: 131(E)(4) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 0959 131(E)(4) CRUELTY To COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor Degree) Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '74% 11:42 Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 19: 2913.05(A)- F5 ELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Counts: Original Charge TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD (F5) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 20: 0959.131(E)(4) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 0959 131(E)(4) CRUELTY To COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor Degree) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 21: 2913.05(A)- F5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Counts: Original Charge TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD (F5) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '74% 11:42A Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 22: 2913.05(A)- F5 ELECOMMUNICATI ONS FRAUD Counts: Original Charge TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD (F5) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 23: 0959.131(E)(4) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 0959 131(E)(4) CRUELTYTO CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor Degree) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 24: 2913 WITH RECORDS Counts: TAMPERING Original Charge 2913.42(A)(1) TAMPERING WITH RECORDS (F3) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:42 Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 25: 2913.42(A)(2)- WITH RECORDS Counts: TAMPERIN Original Charge 2913.42(A)(2) TAMPERING WITH RECORDS (F3) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 26: 2913.05(A) F5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Counts: Original Charge 2913.05(A) TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 27: 0959.131(E)(4) Misdemeanor 1st Degree COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 131(E)(4) CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor 1st Degree) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:42 Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 27: 131(E)(4) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 0959.131(E)(4) CRUELTY To COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor Degree) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 28: 2913.05(A) F5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD FRAUD Counts: Original Charge 05(A) TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 29: 131(E)(1) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 0959 CRUELTY TO COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor Degree) Charge'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:42 Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 30: 0959.131(E)(1) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 0959. (E)(1) CRUELTY To COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor Degree) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 31: 2913.05(A)- F5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Counts: Original Charge TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD (F5) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 32: 0959.131(E)(1) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 0959.131(E)(1) CRUELTYT CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor 1st Degree) Amended Charge'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:43 Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 33: 0959.131(E)(4) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 131(E)(4) CRUELTY TO COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor Degree) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 34: 0959.131(E)(4) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge (E)(4) CRUELTY To OMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor 1st Degree) Amended Charge DEFENDANT Baldwin, Steffen Evan Charge # 35: 0959.131(E)(1) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 959.131(E)(1) CRUELTY To COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:43 Baldwin Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 35: 131(E)(1) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 0959.131(E)(1) CRUELTY TO COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor Degree) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 36: 0959.131(E)(4) Misdemeanor 1st Degree CRUELTY COMPANION ANIMALS Counts: Original Charge 0959 131(E)(4) CRUELTY To COMPANION ANIMALS (Misdemeanor Degree) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 37: 2913.05(A)- F5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Counts: Original Charge TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD (F5) Amended Charge'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:43 Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge # 37: 2913.05(A) F5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD FRAUD Counts: Original Charge 2913. 05(A) TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 38: 2913.05(A) F5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD FRAUD Counts: Original Charge 2913.05(A) TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 39: 2913.02(A)(3).1- F4 Counts: GRAND THEFT Original Charge 2913.02(A)(3).1 GRAND THEFT (F4) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan Evan DEFENDANT Charge 40: 2913.05(A)- TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD Counts:'

Image may contain: phone, text that says '11:43 fA国业 Original Charge 2913 02(A)(3). GRAND THEFT (F4) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 40: 2913.05(A) F3 LECOMMUNICATI ONS FRAUD FRAUD Counts: Original Charge 05(A) TELECOMMUNICATIONS FRAUD (F3) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 41: 2913.02(A)(2) THEFT Counts: GRAND Original Charge 2913.02(A)(2) GRAND THEFT (F4) Amended Charge Baldwin, Steffen Evan DEFENDANT Charge 42: 2923.32(A)(1)-F ENGAGING NA PAT TERN CORRUPT ACTIVITY Counts: Original Charge 2923.32(A)(1) ENGAGING IN A PATTERN (F1) Amended Charge'

Just days ago Baldwin was enjoying the fellowship at the Best Friends Animal Society Sanctuary. We suspect he might not be welcomed back.  Remember, Baldwin has partnered with Best Friends, the Animal Farm Foundation, the Huffington Post, and a tremendous number of shelters.  He has "educated" police officers and school children as well. Critical thinkers among them may do more fact-checking in the future. 

Image may contain: 1 person, standing, car and outdoor, text that says '6:22 AA instagram.com Instagram Login Open App Best Friends Animal Society 57 likes likes _vannoy Really excited have @steffenbaldwin out hea Sanct uary for few days workwi work the team some dogs!... more thebayinghound steffenbaldwin'



Tremendous respect to Remi's owners and their contacts for seeing that justice is done!

Thank you!

Click here for more information on the charges.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Pit bull roundup 5/24/2020 Repeat offenders, pit attacks upon shelter workers and volunteers, police shoot attacking pits, children and political candidates attacked by pit bulls, police bitten by pit bulls they were trying to help


12/9/2019
Lorain Ohio
Lorain County
A girl was bitten in the face by a pit bull mix reportedly "let out accidentally" by the pit bull owner's son.  The pit owner, responsibly, put the dog in the house and called 911 while providing first aid until first responders arrived. 

The dog owner reported that her dog has bitten other dogs in the past but never a human.  The child was transported to Mercy Health for treatment.

How does this happen?  Why are known biters allowed to remain in communities?  Nobody could see this coming?

Per the Morning Journal "Police issued a summons to the owner and that the dog would need to be on a 10-day quarantine in her home.
It is unknown what provoked the attack in this incident, as the dog has not been reported to have displayed any previous aggression, the report said."

But... but... but... this is the THIRD incident involving the dog in the last two years, "the dog has not been reported to have displayed any previous aggression"?  What?  

                                                               * * *

12/11/2019
Cleveland Ohio
Cuyahoga County

A dog was euthanized after attacking a shelter worker AND a volunteer.  No breed was mentioned but as of 12/12/2019 the Cleveland Kennel offered 86 dogs for adoption and 83 of them are pit bulls so we can make a guess that the offending dog was a pit bull.

The volunteer suffered minor injuries, the shelter worker lost a finger which was recovered.  Cleveland.com did not indicate that the finger was reattached. Both the shelter worker and the volunteer were transported to Metrohealth for treatment.  The kennel was closed for the remainder of the day on Thursday while authorities investigated the attack.
Cleveland Kennel on Detroit Avenue
The Cleveland Kennel

                                                           * * *

12/16/2019
Heath Ohio
Licking County

A 9-year-old child and two adults were critically injured after being attacked by 2 pit bulls inside a Heath Ohio residence.  Police received a call on a "dog bite" and found one of the two pit bulls still attached to a victim.  Lethal force was used. 

All three critically injured victims were hospitalized.  Six puppies and the two dead pit bulls were taken by local animal control.  Two uninjured children found in the home were taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

"In a 911 call recording, a woman who identified herself as Cathy Singledecker, told a dispatcher her two pitbulls had attacked "everybody in the house." The woman asked the dispatcher to send someone to come put the dogs down."  
"
Heath Police Chief Dave Haren said officials found 'unlivable' conditions inside the home.
"The animals were not let outside, maybe at all. But definitely not regularly," Haren said. "The conditions in all areas of the house were unacceptable related to health and sanitary issues."
Heath police reports three children, including a 9-year-old with critical injuries, were barricaded inside the home to prevent further attacks. Police said lethal force was used against both dogs."


How does this even happen?  This is not normal.

                                                            * * *

12/9/2019
Lorain Ohio
Lorain County

If you have some extra money here is a great place to send it.  A Lorain Ohio child was with both her sisters and her mother.  They were walking to their car when the 8-year-old was mauled by the neighbor's pit bull.  I will not include a photo out of respect for the child's privacy but send some cash, please.  Click here for the gofundme page.

                                                                  * * *

2/27/2020
New Marshfield
Athens County

This is not a first in our state.  A judicial candidate hs been attacked by pit bulls while canvassing door-to-door.  Several years ago Virginia Conlan Whitman was similarly attacked while posting signs for her husband's re-election.  Mrs. Whitman was seriously injured, required hospitalization, surgery and rehabilitation. 

Candidate Rusty Rittenhouse was attacked by two pit bulls that escaped from a secluded home through a doggie door.  Mr. Rittenhouse required stitches in his leg and in his hand. 

  Rittenhouse

                                                                * * *

2/27/2020
Willoughby Ohio
Lake County

Two Willoughby police officers were bitten by a male pit bull mix they were trying to help.  The pit bull was running at large in very cold weather.  Officers were attempting to get the animal into the back seat of the police cruiser.  Both officers were treated for minor hand injuries at Lake West Medical Center.
Never approach a pit bull even if you think he might be cold.  No good will come of it. 
2 Willoughby Police officers treated for hand injuries after getting bit by pit bull that was on the loose

                                                       * * *

3/28/2020
Rocky River Ohio
Cuyahoga County

A resident of the peaceful community of Rocky River reported that she was out walking her dog and it was attacked by a neighbor's pit bull.  Her dog required surgery and Rocky River Animal Control is following up. In other news, no resident or pet was injured by an attacking Irish Setter or Pug.

                                                           * * *

4/23/2020
Galion Ohio
Crawford County 

Per Crawford County Now.com.  Moral of the story, take them off the streets when they bite someone the first time.

1:52 p.m.-A report of two pit bulls running loose in the 100 block of First Avenue. The dogs were picked up by the Crawford County Dog Warden as they bit someone last week.

                                                              * * *

5/2/2020
Mayfield Heights Ohio
Cuyahoga County

Per Cleveland.com, Animals: West Miner Road

                                                  * * *

5/22/2020
Ohio Pit Bull Rescue Network
Location shown as simply "Ohio"

The Ohio Pit Bull Rescue Network has posted a request from a Florence Kentucky pit bull owner.
"I'm looking for any help/suggestions please! This is my male Pitt Rambo. I rescued him about 6 months ago. He turned a year in March. He was my snuggie buddy, he was very protective of me and loved me.. until last Friday evening. We were playing fetch in my backyard. After about the 3rd throw. He just stopped I seen something come over him.
The next thing I know. I'm in the fight of my life. He attacked me and seriously could have killed me. But I know how he was before this happened. He's at the shelter for 10 days. 5 days in already to see if rabies develop. Then they will put him down.
I'm so torn with emotions all I do is cry. And I know he can't come home. But as crazy as it sounds. I don't want him to die. I'm not sure if a professional trainer can help him. I'm a mess! Sorry for the long post and typos."
Image may contain: dog and indoor
While we may be sympathetic to the plight of this pit bull owner, it is not difficult to see where this went wrong.  The woman did what she thought would be a good deed and "rescued" a 6-month old-pit bull.  Why did a 6-month-old pit bull require rescue?  The most obvious guess would be aggression. This dog has turned on at just over a year of age, not unusual.  The owner was attacked without provocation and acknowledges the danger here.  The dog can't come home.

A professional trainer cannot train away DNA.  Shamefully, shelters and rescues promote dogs with known aggression or an unknown history as pets to those who will suffer when DNA kicks in. 

Stop promoting dangerous dogs.  Do the right thing for public safety as painful as that might be.


                                                                        * * *
5/6/2020
Mayfield Heights Ohio
Cuyahoga County

Two loose pit bulls chased after several people in the area near Oakville Road.  The pit bulls bit a woman who required transport to a medical facility for treatment. A man was bitten but uninjured.  The pit bulls also chased police officers, one officer was forced to fire his gun at them, striking the pit bull twice.  The pit bull ran to its home (should make writing the citations easier).  The other pit bull ran off.  Those who live in the area should be VERY careful.



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11/19/2019
Westlake Ohio
Cuyahoga County

How long do we think Lester will remain in the "sanctuary" before he is placed with someone who has no knowledge of the dog's history?  Reported in the West Life News.

Owners fined; agree to move dog from Westlake neighborhood

The pitbull mix’s owners, Edward and Amy Salim of Westlake, were fined $250 and placed on one year of probation as part of the agreement with Magistrate Marisa A. Marniella on Nov. 12.
The Salims entered into a plea agreement for having a dog at large and not keeping Lester under reasonable control. They are required to notify the local animal warden of Lester’s location and comply with the state’s dangerous-dog laws.
The Salims were in court because Lester had bitten Chelsea, a golden retriever, while she was walking with one of her owners near her home in the Riviera Lane neighborhood Sept. 11 and because of other biting incidents dating to the spring, police said.
Todd Rambasek, one of Chelsea’s owners, said he is satisfied with the decision.
“I’m happy that he is out of the neighborhood,” Rambasek said. “I’m happy that the dog wasn’t put down and I’m happy that the dog’s owners can go visit their dog if they choose.”
Rambasek said he knows most people care about their pets and that people in the neighborhood are happy with the outcome.
“Now people will have the chance to heal from all of this,” Rambasek said.
Chelsea is recovering from her wounds as well, he said.
Edward Salim said Thursday he understands the rationale behind the decision.
“People want their homes and families safe, including their pets,” he said.
Salim said he doesn’t think he’ll visit Lester in Lorain County.
“He’ll have a new home and family around him there,” Salim said. “It should be good for all the people involved.”
Salim said he was going to find a new home for Lester even before the court decision because of the tension the biting problems had caused.
Westlake Law Director Michael Maloney said the decision allows people to move on.
“I am glad we were able to reach some closure,” Maloney said in a statement. “It was a dangerous situation. The case created tension in the neighborhood, which no one wants or needs, but the matter had to be addressed. The city was not going to wait for something even worse to happen. There are young children on the defendant’s street. I do not have to explain what can happen with an aggressive dog this size running on the loose.”

This was not Lester's first offense and he was not alone.  Lester's owners had two pit bulls and they were both involved in the attack upon Chelsea.   Here is the photo featured with this article.


This was not "discrimination" it was stone cold experience.  Here is a link to a response by the owner of the Golden.  She is much more tolerant than I would be but she makes a strong point for enforcement of dangerous dog laws.  





Saturday, March 28, 2020

Settlement reached in Dayton dog mauling death of Klonda Richey.



Six years after the mauling death of Klonda Richey, a settlement has been reached between the family of Ms. Richey and Montgomery County Commissioners.  Montgomery County will pay Richey's sister and brother 3.5 million dollars.  Montgomery County commissioners are expected to approve the settlement on March 31st.  The settlement will allow Montgomery to avoid a messy trial in the wrongful death case.  Per the Dayton Daily News " “This lovely lady passed away. You never get over that,” said Montgomery County Commission President Judy Dodge. “But it has been dragging on for a while … Nobody wants to go through a trial.”  

No, Ms. Dodge, this lovely lady did not peacefully "pass away" she was brutally mauled to death by her neighbor's dogs and her death was predictable, she predicted it herself.   Per the attorney representing the Richey estate  “The evidence is clear that Ms. Richey experienced prolonged conscious pain and suffering prior to her death.”
Deadly dog attack: Klonda Richey's body was found torn to shreds on the snow-covered sidewalk outside her Ohio home on Friday
  
Photo by WKEF News of the snow in front of Klonda Richey's home saturated with her blood.


Ms. Richey's thirteen complaints to the then County Dog Warden Mark Kumpf, made from 2012 until the time of her death in 2014, received no response other than sternly worded post-it notes left on the door of neighbors and dog owners Andrew Nason and Julie Custer. There was absolutely no follow-up to these post-it notes because Kumpf was "unaware" that follow-up was required.  Here is a quote from Kumpf, the link is no longer live.  " Per WDTN  Numerous warnings were left for the dog owners at 35 East Bruce Avenue, but no action was taken. Kumpf says a warning is simply a notice that an officer responded to a complaint. There’s really no follow-up after that unless the owner calls the Animal Resource Center to find out more.This is the problem, zero follow- up. No Dangerous Dog designation was ever produced, no fines, no containment orders, no orders to obtain insurance.  This was the typical response to complaints made to dog warden Kumpf, a dog warden with multiple human fatalities in his county during his watch due to his refusal to enforce the law.  Please read the 2016 ruling from the Court of Appeals of Ohio Second Appellate District Montgomery County for an eye-opening explanation of Kumpf's business model.  That model included, in addition to the refusal to enforce the law, refusal to answer phone calls, destruction of records, instructions to his staff to write fewer citations and zero follow-up to post-it note citations.

Unlike most high-dollar settlements, this one will result in actual payment.  This payment may set a precedent for other victim-led lawsuits against other city Animal Control departments where priority currently favors inaction (sloth) protecting the owners of violent dogs over the safety of the public.   Will it change how laws are enforced?  Less sloth and more actual protection for peaceful people in their own communities?  What a refreshing change this would be.

Montgomery County went into damage control overdrive after the Dayton deaths of Richey and 7-month-old Jonathan Quarles Jr, killed by a relative's pit bull that was known to the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center as a dangerous dog but was allowed to remain in the community. In an effort to salvage their reputation Montgomery County Commissioners sponsored a two-day seminar for law enforcement and animal control officers from all over Ohio, links are no longer live.  Per WDTN News " Officers, along with animal shelter employees, and municipal and county prosecutors met inside Sinclair Community College for a seminar to discuss ways to improve the response and investigation of dog mauling cases. The group also took time to discuss changing and adding legislation and asking legislators to strengthen dog laws."  The seminar was held prior to the Dayton pit bull mauling death of Maurice Brown.  Dog Warden Kumpf failed to attend?  Was asleep in the back row? 

Bills strengthening Ohio dog laws still languish in committees in the Ohio State House to the shame of all Ohio lawmakers. 

But, I digress.  Allowing Kumpf to remain in his position for years after his failures became public knowledge and holding a seminar for Animal Control professionals did little to protect the interests of the Montgomery County Commissioners or soften the blow to local taxpayers. This is a big lawsuit and it should have a big impact.  


Mark Kumpf at the time of his firing by Montgomery County commissioners.  Kumpf is now serving as head of Animal Control in Detroit, another city where death by dog mauling is a sad reality. Of all the possibilities, Detroit decided that Kumpf was the best choice to head their mess of an animal control department? 

Monday, January 13, 2020

Dayton infant killed inside the family home after being attacked by the family pit bull. Has breed neutral law made Ohio safer?

1/9/2020
Dayton Ohio
Montgomery County

Four-month-old McKenzie Terwill died after being attacked by the family pit bull inside the family home.  The pit bull has been quarantined and the attack is under investigation.  McKenzie is the eighteenth Ohio resident killed by dogs since the Ohio Legislature allowed Best Friends Animal Society to re-write state law.  Best Friends promised that their new breed-neutral law would make Ohio communities safer.  Is anyone shocked that the promise has proven false? 

Nope.  In the decade prior to the change in state law Ohio had 5 dog bite-related fatalities.  In the less-than-eight-years since the passage of HB 14 Ohio has seen eighteen fatal dog attacks. Stunning.

Our thanks to former Representative Barbara Sears and Ledy Vankavage's legal department at Best  Friends Animal Society for bringing this disaster to Ohio.

9-13 Police lights_255658

Update - A neighbor reported that dogs at the home where the infant died were "mean, vicious, barkers, chasers" and caused people to avoid the location.  The investigation is being handled by the Special Victims Unit.

Update - Per the Dayton Daily News, "The Dayton Daily News today obtained an affidavit written by Dayton Police Detective Karina Sulek seeking permission to search and collect evidence in the case.  Sulek wrote when officers arrived at the home on the 100 block of Vermont Avenue on Jan. 9, the baby’s father, Parker Terwell, was on the front porch with the baby’s remains.


“Mr. Terwell said he just arrived home, and his girlfriend and mother of the child, Mary Shoup, was asleep on the living room sofa,” the affidavit in the search warrant requests says. “Mr. Terwell informed officers that Ms. Shoup is on prescription medication.”

Photo of house where McKenzie Terwell was killed by dog next to photo of Beware of Dog sign in its window

In another update, this from WDTN News "The search warrant states that the prescriptions that were found have side effects such as drowsiness, cognitive dysfunction, and insomnia. The father also told officers that he threw out a bong before they arrived."