Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a New Carlisle residence for a complaint of possible animal cruelty.

Deputies arrived to a house that had a placard on the attached garage stating that property was condemned by the Clark County Health Department.  No one answered the door at the residence.

Upon further inspection, multiple dogs could be seen inside.  Deputies stated that the dogs, although in poor condition, showed no immediate signs of neglect or cruelty.

A note on the window stated that the animals were left for security reasons.  “My friends will be checking on them daily” reads the note.

“We cannot remove the dogs. We have to call the Humane Society. We’re operating according to the Ohio Revised Code” said Sergeant Underwood with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Vince Carter, Clark County Combined Health District Public Information Officer said that his office came to the property on Tuesday.  "There was no evidence of people living there" said Carter. A placard of condemnation was placed after finding that the house had no water.

When questioned about the residence, New Carlisle City Manager Randy Bridge stated that “it’s out of (the City’s) hands once the County comes in.”

“We have made three visits to that address to look at the conditions” said Clark County Humane Society Interim Executive Director Andy Heims. 

Heims did say that he has yet to meet anyone at the house. “We look at the animals through the window and see that they are okay.”

After every visit, the Humane Society leaves a flyer requesting contact from the owners.  “The owner has contacted us the next day on all three occasions so someone is going to that house.”

The Humane Society is doing everything they can to make sure the animals are safe, according to Heims.

A visit is scheduled tonight to meet with the owners. “We want to assist in removing any animals, and check on the conditions of the animals. The owners have been very cordial, and I’d like to build upon that relationship.”

“The Health Department specifies that humans cannot stay in a condemned building” said Sgt. Underwood, “ it does not specify that animals cannot.”

The New Carlisle News will provide an update tonight after the meeting with the Humane Society.

UPDATE

Humane Society Interim Director Andy Heims met with the owner of the animals this evening and reported that two dogs and one cat were taken by the Humane Society, one went to a friend and one was taken by the owner.

Heims said that one cat and one dog were thin but not emaciated.

The animals will be evaluated, spayed or neutered, microchipped and adopted out.

He said that the owner was appreciative of the Humane Society's help and was glad to be relieved of the stress.