The Mahoning County Sheriff's Office plans on filing animal cruelty charges against a Berlin Center woman Friday.
Thursday night, they found a couple dozen dogs and cats living in deplorable conditions on her property on Bedell Road.
Less than 24 hours after the Mahoning County dog warden found the animals struggling to survive, Angels for Animals transported 25 dogs, puppies and cats to their facility.
Many of the shepherd mixes showed visible signs of distress. Several were limping, and others had matted or even no fur.
The property owner, who is cooperating with the authorities, now faces up to 34 counts of animal cruelty.
But some state legislators say Ohio's laws don't have enough strength to deal with these situations.
"Yes, the laws in Ohio need to be strengthened," said Rep. Ron Gerberry, D-59th District. "I have been working on trying to get Nitro's Law, which would specifically deal with animal abuse in kennels now for two terms."
Gerberry said the bill has not yet made it to the state Senate. He originally wanted the law to apply to most, if not all, animal owners. It would allow animal abuse charges to go from a misdemeanor to a fifth degree felony.
As that bill remains stalled in Columbus, officials at Angels for Animals said there are places you could turn to before you find yourself in over your head and your animal unnecessarily suffering.
"Before you get in trouble, you want to contact us," said Lisa Berry, of Angels for Animals. "We have food we can help you with. We have shelter if you need a place to go. Contact us. Don't wait until its too late."
They also said if you can no longer care for your dog or cat, call them first, and do not anonymously drop any animals off at the facility.
Angels for Animals is currently in need foster homes and donations to help take care of the 15 dogs and 10 cats from this most recent rescue. If you can help, you are asked to call 330-549-1111.
