(Lick Run Road, Ross County) -- The Ross County Humane Society is currently in possession of four dogs found in extremely poor condition after being abandoned in the former Watt Street Feed and Watt Street Grooming and Pet Services building in Chillicothe.
On 2/16/2022 a concerned citizen contacted the Ross County Dog Warden’s office regarding dogs inside 840 Washington Avenue, the address of Watt Street feed, which has been abandoned and foreclosed.
Upon arrival the Dog Warden was able to see four dogs on the premises and made entry into the building. The floor of the building where the dogs were found was covered in feces, large amounts of dog fur, and debris. There was no water nor electric connected to the building and there was no evidence of food or water for the dogs locked inside.
Once inside and able to assess the condition of the dogs, the Warden’s office contacted the Ross County Humane Society as two of the dogs, a 5 year old Border Collie and a 3 year old Great Pyrenees, were in need of immediate medical attention. Both dogs were extremely dehydrated and emaciated, only scoring a body condition score of 1 out of 9.
They were transported to North Fork Animal Clinic for treatment. The Border Collie was barely able to stand due to its poor condition and the Great Pyrenees was treated for an 8-inch open wound on its hip.
At the time of evaluation, the dogs were scanned for microchips, and thanks to data from the chip located on the Border Collie a previous owner was able to be contacted. The previous owner advised she had given the dog to Cathy S. Cobb, former owner of the foreclosed Watt Street Feed and Watt Street Grooming and Pet Services, to treat the dog for skin issues over a year ago. The other dogs, two mixed breed dogs and the Great Pyrenees did not have microchips.
Cathy S. Cobb, whose last known residence is Greenfield, Ohio, is being charged with 2 counts of serious harm to a companion animal, 4 counts of abandonment, 4 counts of cruelty to animals, and 4 counts of failure to license. The 2 counts of serious harm to a companion animal are 5th degree felonies in Ohio.
This case comes just one week after the first successful prosecution of a 5th degree felony for animal cruelty in Ross County.
Executive director of the Ross County Humane Society, Jenn Thomas, reminds the public to please call the dog warden for well-being checks if you think something is amiss with a dog. “There are options available for those who need help, and this didn’t need to happen. These dogs suffered needlessly” says Thomas.
The dog warden’s office will evaluate the situation and act in accordance with Ohio law. Please call 740-772-5929 to file a report. You may remain anonymous.
Ross County Humane Society - 2308 Lick Run Road, Chillicothe OH 45601 - 740-775-6808 - rosscohumanesociety@gmail.com
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