Ohio Animal Rescue Faces Criminal Investigation After 30 Dogs Found Dead

90 living dogs have been rescued from Helping Hands for Furry Paws in Butler County after investigators found negligent conditions. 30 dead dogs were also recovered from the rescue’s freezers.

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office shared about the animal cruelty investigation in a press release. They said, “Investigations revealed that both adult dogs and puppies were being housed in structures on two separate Madison Township properties. Deputy Dog Wardens Investigators and Deputies conducted searches at both properties and found the animals in “the most horrible conditions they have ever seen.”

The release went on to say that the remains of deceased canines were found in multiple freezers, some of which weren’t working. Other remains of dogs and puppies were found throughout the properties in varying states of decay.

25 dogs were found in cages full of fecal matter and urine in a garage with no ventilation or air conditioning. The dogs didn’t have access to food or water. Reporter Karin Johnson shared photos of the dogs on Facebook:

Because of the horrific conditions, the rescue’s owner, Rhonda Murphy, is facing dozens of charges of neglect and cruelty to companion animals. Her charges include both misdemeanors and felonies.

According to WCPO, Sheriff Richard Jones described the horrid conditions. He said, “Five sets of puppies. No food. This one was nursing other pups, and you can see ribs hanging out, so, pretty nasty stuff.”

https://www.facebook.com/AnimalFriendsHS/posts/pfbid0WsvVYHBeZmBKmyVzfbHjJGQQham25km9eMENGVtekeQQ5ELoz74iuBEurZCmMesul

The outlet reported that 86 dogs of the dogs found at the rescue were taken to the Animal Friends Humane Society of Butler County for evaluation and treatment.

As for Murphy, WCPO reports that she was hospitalized and has not yet been taken into police custody.