Canton Couple Charged After Hundreds of Living and Dead Rats Found Inside Home Alongside Human Remains
In a shocking revelation, Canton city officials recently uncovered a distressing scene at a rental home on Wertz Avenue SW, where a man and a woman were allegedly operating a rescue-type operation under the name Little Goblins Rattery & Rescue. The situation escalated when city officials responded to complaints and discovered over 250 live rats, in addition to more than 100 deceased ones, alongside various other animals in conditions described as “deplorable.”
The 41-year-old woman leading the alleged operation has been charged with seven counts of prohibitions concerning companion animals, while her 45-year-old partner faces the same charges. Both were arraigned in Canton Municipal Court, where the woman’s bond was set at $50,000. The home has since been condemned, rendering the couple homeless.
City Prosecutor Katie Erchick Gilbert expressed grave concerns about the living conditions within the property. “The Health Department and the Building Department have condemned this property,” she stated, emphasizing the unsafe environment. She also highlighted the pair’s apparent mental health struggles, suggesting that their actions might stem from deeper issues. “It is clear that there are severe mental health issues for both involved,” she remarked after the court hearing.
The operation, which allegedly sought donations through platforms like Facebook and GoFundMe, raises questions about its intentions. While it remains unclear whether the couple was selling the rats or running a nonprofit rescue, the sheer number of animals found in the home indicates a severe lack of oversight and care. The Canton police complaint details the harrowing conditions, noting that the residence was littered with feces, urine, garbage, and deceased animals.
Local animal rescue organizations, including The Pipsqueakery from Bloomington, Indiana, played a crucial role in addressing the crisis. They took possession of the 253 live rats discovered during the city’s intervention. Meanwhile, the Stark County Humane Society and Herps Alive rescue group stepped in to care for the other animals found, including dogs, birds, and turtles. The collaborative rescue effort was a vital lifeline for the surviving animals amidst the chaos.
Erchick Gilbert praised the efforts of these rescue organizations. “Without Pipsqueakery, I don’t know what we would have done, honestly, with all of the rats,” she admitted. The Stark County Humane Society staff bravely entered the hazardous environment in protective gear to rescue the animals, managing to save those that could be rehabilitated.
The disturbing discovery of human bones at the property during the rescue operation has further complicated the situation. Authorities are currently evaluating the bones to determine their origin and whether they are related to any criminal activity. As per Ohio law, it is legal to own human bones, but the circumstances surrounding their presence in the home remain unclear.
Canton City Public Health officials had been monitoring the home since January, and the conditions had reportedly worsened significantly since their last visit. A police report from January noted a strong odor emanating from the property, with a large number of rats and clutter visible. Officers had previously advised against entering due to the unsanitary conditions, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Neighbors have expressed their shock and disgust at the revelations surrounding the property. Mike Wells, a resident nearby, described the house as “disgusting,” reflecting the broader community’s concern for both the animals’ welfare and the safety of the neighborhood.
As the city moves forward, the property owner has been ordered to either repair or demolish the structure by April 4, or face city intervention. Meanwhile, the defendants face not only legal repercussions for their actions but also significant challenges in finding new housing, given the condemnation of their home.
This troubling case sheds light on the complexities of animal rescue operations and calls into question the responsibilities of those who take on such responsibilities. While the intentions may have initially appeared noble, the outcome has raised serious ethical and legal concerns, prompting a broader discussion about animal welfare, mental health, and community safety.
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