HUBER HEIGHTS — Three people are facing more than 250 charges after authorities say they abused animals and stole more than $200,000.
As reported on News Center 7 at 11 p.m. On Wednesday, police showed up at the Huber Heights home and rescued the animals.
Investigators say the suspects have been traveling from property to property since last summer, claiming to run a dog training business.
>> Previous article: Untrained and ignored.Local dog training company charged with stealing $200,000 and abusing animals
Emmy and Bailey are happy, playful, and loving dogs, but it took months to get them this far.
Owner Randy Reed is still trying to overcome the trauma his dog faced after leaving it at Dayton Dog Trainers LLC in Brookville for two weeks.
“They were staked out in the field. They had excrement on them,” Reid said. “They had what looked like rashes on their bellies, but trust me, I've talked to a lot of people who are in much worse situations than I'm in.”
Like Melissa McClure, she dropped her dog Tater off for training and said she was “blown away” by what she saw when she picked him up.
Tater was underweight, lacked fur, and someone shaved his teeth because of McClure.
“Those were the most perfect pearly white teeth. And when we got him back they were gross and rotten,” she said.
Mr. Reed and Mr. McClure are two of about 70 dog owners who say they paid a total of more than $200,000 to the company.
“There are a lot of people who can't afford to help their dog right now because they've given the dog all their money,” Reid said.
They were beginning to think the investigators weren't going to do anything.
>> Previous article: Local dog trainer charged with animal neglect, resulting in death of one dog
But investigators on Wednesday filed more than 250 misdemeanor and felony charges against Jason Jones, Tabatha Taverna, Jennifer Long and their businesses.
“I was over the moon,” McClure said.
“What he was doing was cruel. It was abusive,” Reid said.
Jones, Long and Taverna are being held in the Montgomery County Jail.
Police previously told News Center 7 that they had to put down one or two dogs due to work commitments.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is encouraged to contact police. Sergeant Jeff Muncie (937-847-6612)
News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.
©2024 Cox Media Group
