PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — The Scioto County Dog Pound took in 18 dogs Tuesday after an animal abuse and hoarding case was reported to the shelter, with assistance from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office and a county humane agent, the shelter said in a Facebook post.
The dogs are not currently available for adoption as staff work to give them the medical care they need, the shelter said. The intake brought the shelter’s population to 45 dogs.
County humane agents in Ohio are authorized under state law to investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect and, after completing at least 20 hours of state-mandated training, may make arrests and file criminal complaints in cases they substantiate, according to the Ohio Revised Code. It was not immediately clear whether charges have been filed in connection with Tuesday’s case.
The shelter, on Arrowhead North Road on Portsmouth’s north side, houses stray and surrendered dogs from across Scioto County pending adoption or return to their owners.
With its population swelling, the shelter is asking rescue groups and others equipped to take in dogs to consider pulling animals once they have been vetted. Staff said they are not planning a euthanasia day despite the higher numbers, and asked the public to keep any comments on the matter civil.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Scioto County Dog Pound.
