MANTUA, Ohio — The operator of a nonprofit dog rescue whose Parma home was found to allegedly contain 36 neglected dogs, including 13 who died, has been indicted
On Wednesday, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael Malley announced that 68-year-old Barbara Wible has been charged with 36 counts of Cruelty to Animals -- a fifth-degree felony. The announcement comes one day after 25 misdemeanor counts of prohibitions concerning companion animals under "Nitro's Law" were filed against Wible, after 146 dead dogs were found in her Mantua home in Portage County. Additionally, identical charges have been levied against Wible's nonprofit, Canine Lifeline Inc.
“This woman operated to the public under the guise of helping dogs in need of a home, and then caused the death of 13 dogs and severely harmed 23 dogs in our county alone,” Prosecutor O’Malley said in a statement. “I hope this truly horrific case does not deter people from adopting dogs from reputable rescue organizations. If you have any concerns about animal mistreatment or abuse, you can report them to your local animal control officers and/or police department.”
The dogs inside the Parma home were reportedly found after members of the Parma Police and Fire Department responded to a welfare check near West 54th Street and West Ridgewood Drive. Upon arrival, officers say they found a strong odor coming from the residence and numerous dog cages and feces were inside the garage. Officers also observed multiple dogs who appeared deceased while looking through house's the window.
The investigation ultimately revealed a total of 36 malnourished dogs that were locked in cages inside the residence for an extended period of time. Some of the dogs inside the residence had not been fed since March and none had food or water. Out of the 36 dogs found, 12 were pronounced deceased on scene, with three transferred to a local emergency veterinary clinic. One of the dogs had to be euthanized, while 21 dogs were transferred to a local animal shelter.
The Portage Animal Protection League previously confirmed that Wible is currently hospitalized with terminal cancer, meaning "[a]ny conviction or punishment obtained in this case against Wible will likely be symbolic only."
"The needless suffering that these dogs endured is beyond comprehension," Portage APL Executive Director Chalan Lowry said in a statement. "They deserve justice and the Portage Animal Protective League believes that even symbolic justice is justice. We will pursue Barbara Wible's case expeditiously in an attempt to ensure that these dogs get their day in court."