Dogs to remain in care of Friendship APL

Twenty dogs seized from a Lorain residence July 17 will remain in the care of the Friendship APL following a preliminary hearing in Lorain Municipal Court.

Lorain Municipal Court Judge Thomas Elwell ruled July 24 the dogs would remain in the Friendship APL’s care due to the condition of the house in the 1700 block of East 28th Street, court officials said.

Cornelius L. Charlton, 44, of Lorain, and Lauren J. Souris, 36, of Cleveland, were charged with single counts of cruelty to companion animals.

A pre-trial hearing will take place at 10 a.m. Aug. 10 before Municipal Judge Mark J. Mihok.

Before noon July 17, authorities were called to the scene following an anonymous tip from a resident who had been walking past the residence and heard dogs barking and could smell a strong scent of dog urine and feces, police said.

The Morning Journal was invited to enter the house, which had cages lining the walls with barking dogs and an overwhelming scent of feces and urine.

There was no sign of ventilation and no lights on in the house, but about 30 closed jugs of water were on the floor opposite some of the cages, but out of reach of the animals.

According to court records, Souris has had multiple cases involving animals through Lorain Municipal Court.

A warrant was issued after she did not pay a fine from an animal at large and confinement of dogs case from 2010, records show.

Souris told court officials she would pay $75 of the $614.70 fine before she left the court July 24, but she did not, officials said.

According to court personnel, she will be required to pay the entire fine before the Aug. 10 hearing.