Columbus Humane suspends accepting surrendered animals

Columbus Humane has temporarily suspended public surrenders of animals at its shelter and is seeking donations to help with the care of more than 270 animals recovered this week as part of an animalcruelty investigation.

The shelter seized the animals during two searches conducted with warrants: one at The Petting Zoo Pet Shop (formerly Grove City Reptiles) on West Broad Street on the West Side, and the other at a home and property at 3451 Demorest Road in Jackson Township near the southwestern edge of Columbus.

Between the two properties, 278 animals were recovered, Columbus Humane announced Thursday; the total includes the remains of 31 found dead. Some of the animals at the home were found in outdoor enclosures.

Among the recovered animals and remains were 148 reptiles, including a 14-foot-long snake, 97 dogs (most of them puppies), four cats and more than a dozen livestock animals, among them pigs, goats and ducks.

Columbus Humane has said the seized animals have “extensive medical needs,” which is the primary focus of the caretakers at the shelter. Animals taken from the home have been identified as having parvovirus, pneumonia and parasites. Medical examinations continue.

As a result of the seizures, voluntary surrenders of animals and public admissions of animals into the shelter have been suspended to allow for the proper care of the seized animals and those that were already in the shelter’s custody at the time of the seizure. Adoptions continue. Columbus Humane said the timeline for the potential adoption of any seized animal has not been determined.

“While Columbus Humane does have custody, we do not have ownership of the seized animals,” the agency said in an online post. “Ownership will be decided in the upcoming court process ... updates on our social media pages will be shared if and when adoption opportunities arise.”

The first court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, and criminal charges such as cruelty to companion animals are possible.

The animals also are considered evidence in potential criminal cases against the homeowners, who also ran the pet store. They are not being identified by The Dispatch because no charge has been filed.

Columbus Humane is seeking donations of organic produce, including fresh leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots and apples. It also needs non-glossy newspaper and long shredded paper with no cross cuts or staples, puppy pads, canned Iams puppy food and financial contributions to help with veterinary care.

Donations can be dropped off at the shelter at 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Court in Hilliard between 2 and 7 p.m. on weekdays and noon and 5 p.m. on weekends.