LANCASTER, Ohio -
The owner of a Fairfield County kennel owner accused of animal abuse has turned himself in to the Fairfield County Municipal Courthouse Wednesday morning.
Cory was wanted for 70 misdemeanor charges, including 22 counts of cruelty to animals, 15 counts of abandoning animals and prohibitions companion animals.
On March 10, Deputies received reports of unsanitary conditions and suspected abuse at Dewberry's kennel, Dewberry Family K-9, located at 9280 Carroll-Northern Rd. in Pickerington.
A search warrant was executed after an Akron dog owner returned to find her German shepherd, Wolfgang, severely under weight.
During the search on March 15, deputies found that the kennel was not in compliance with current licensing and permits. Deputies reported the kennel conditions were unsanitary, and the dogs appeared to be neglected.
Six dogs were seized by the Fairfield County dog warden and the remaining dogs were picked up by their owners.
A seventh dog, owned by Dewberry, remains at the humane society.
"It is not acceptable to mistreat animals and we will investigate and when we see criminal acts, we will file criminal charges," Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen said.
Cory walked into the courthouse at 9 a.m. Wednesday to turn himself in. He was accompanied by an attorney and was arraigned.
"People love their pets and don't want animals mistreated, and we are glad this guy turned himself in and is answering those charges," Phalen said.
He has been released on his own recognizance.
First-degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, with second-degree misdemeanors punishable by up to a $500 fine and three months in jail.
