DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio — Charges have been filed against a man who is accused of animal cruelty after 40 dogs were found in poor condition at a Delaware County home on Sunday.
The Delaware County Commissioners Office says Robert Phillips Jr. has been charged with 30 counts of prohibitions concerning companion animals.
Authorities began investigating the property in Kingston Township after receiving more than 50 calls about the situation last weekend. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office responded to multiple calls of animal cruelty and possible trespassing Saturday evening.
A search warrant was then executed at the property on Kilbourne Road Sunday afternoon by the Delaware County Dog Warden's Office. The raid took about three hours, the county said in a release.
According to the county, 40 dogs were removed, most of which are believed to be pit bulls or pit bull mixes.
Delaware County Dog Warden Mitchell Garrett said the animals are about five to 10 pounds underweight, and now they are being watched closely.
The humane society said they are now relieved the dogs are in good care at the Delaware County Dog Shelter and Humane Society. They want to encourage people to report animal abuse to the warden if they see it.
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