80 Starving Dogs Rescued – 40 Found Dead
A man is behind bars after officers discovered a horrific case of animal abuse in Pike County.
Pike County Sheriff Tracy Evans said his officers responded to an animal cruelty complaint on Wynn Road in Piketon on Saturday and were shocked by what they discovered.
When deputies arrived at the home, they first discovered a dead dog tried to a tractor near the road. Officers said the animal appeared to have been beaten.
However, that was just the beginning of the cruelty. Deputies found 80 dogs which they described as emaciated, and over 40 dead dogs. There were also a number of dead chickens, several cats, and a live pig.
Police arrested 62-year-old Wyndan Skye for animal cruelty and transported him to the Scioto County Jail.
Several organizations, including the Ross County Humane Society, Pike County Humane Agent, Pet Pals, and the Pike County Commissioners, arrived on the scene to assist.
The living animals were taken to be assessed by vets, while necropsies were scheduled to many of the deceased ones. The Pike County Dog Pound was forced to close until further notice due to the influx of dogs. The Ross County Humane Society took six dogs and three cats into their care. They said the animals were taken to Columbus for vet exams and put out a call for people to adopt current shelter residents to help make room for the new arrivals.
Officials say this case will be presented to the Pike County Grand Jury for possible additional charges. Sky is currently being held on a $40,000 bond pending a court appearance on February 6.