OxfordPress.com

MONROE — Monroe police said they have arrested a woman who fought with authorities as they tried to issue a citation because her dog was severely malnourished.

Butler County Animal Friends Humane Society officials said Middletown resident Reita Huff's 2-year-old Doberman pinscher weighed 28.5 pounds when it was found running loose Saturday, Aug. 9.

"This is one of the worst cases of neglect I have seen," said humane society Executive Director Meg Stephenson. "Every bone in her body was visible. No animal should ever have to suffer like that."

Huff was identified as the dog's owner and was pulled over Wednesday, Aug. 13, on Ohio 4 for operating an unsafe vehicle, according to police reports. Reports state she became combative with the officer and was shot with a Taser. She was charged with resisting arrest and assault on a police officer.

Huff is also charged with two counts of cruelty to a companion animal, failure to confine and failure to obtain a license. She has prior animal violations, according to Butler County Dog Warden Julie Holmes.

Huff's court date is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 21, in Middletown Municipal Court.

"Animal neglect, not just abuse, is a crime," said Holmes. "We will hold the owners responsible and they will be prosecuted."

Animal Friends officials said the dog, named Sheba, is putting on weight and has been placed in a foster home until her health improves and she can be adopted.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2175