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Animal cruelty case continued so defense can research new law

Lockland man is accused of abandoning a dog found emaciated at Joyce Park.

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By Ed Richter, Staff Writer 9:21 AM Wednesday, February 22, 2012

HAMILTON — A Lockland man who is accused of starving and abandoning a pit bull at a city park in December had his case continued until March 21 until his lawyer can research how a new law might apply to his client’s case.

Hamilton Municipal Court Judge Daniel J. Gattermeyer granted the continuance request of Edwin L. Saunders, 53, during a hearing this morning.

A new law recently approved by the Ohio General Assembly decriminalized pit bulls as vicious animals.

Saunders is charged with cruelty to companion animals, a first-degree misdemeanor; abandonment, a second-degree misdemeanor; failure to confine and no insurance for a vicious dog, both first-degree misdemeanors; and failure to license a dog, a minor misdemeanor. If convicted on the charges, Saunders faces fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Saunders allegedly admitted to starving and abandoning the dog on Dec. 19 at Hamilton’s Joyce Park.

Through a number of tips, Butler County Deputy Dog Warden Kurt Merbs tracked Saunders down on Dec. 30.

After the hearing, Chief Dog Warden Julie Holmes said the new law regarding pit bulls has nothing to do with cruelty to animals, adding “I’m not sure how the judge will rule on this case.”

Outside the Hamilton City Building, several pro-animal rights supporters were carrying signs encouraging passing motorists to honk in support of animal rights.

The young female pit bull, which has since been named “Audrey,” is currently being treated with new medications because the bacteria in her paws were worse than what was originally thought, said Meg Stephenson, executive director of the Animal Friends Humane Society.

Since Audrey was found, she has been gaining weight while recuperating at the Animal Care Center in Fairfield.

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4504 or Ed.Richter@coxinc.com.

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