The Bartoks of Ashland County, Ohio, who were indicted last month on 7
counts each of animal cruelty, agreed on a plea bargain yesterday.  Charges
were reduced to one count each.  They will be given 2 years probation, and
6 of the dogs will be returned to them.  The dogs must be altered first.
During the probation period, the Bartoks will be subject to random
inspections, and will not be allowed to own other animals without
petitioning the court.  They must pay the vet bills incurred to date
(over $1000).
 
The other animals will not be returned to them, including the ferret
Cadbury.  Formal sentencing will be on Dec 7, and the rest of the animals
will become property of the Ashland County Humane Care Center at that time.
Dawn, the director has told me she feels the ferret is in a good home now
with us.  She was not happy with allowing them to keep any of the animals,
but felt the need for a quick resolution, as they are overwhelmed with all
the dogs and cats, and need to start finding permanent homes for them as
soon as possible.
 
Meanwhile, Cadbury is doing well.  He continues to gain strength slowly,
and is getting in a new softer coat.  He is the sweetest ferret on earth
and will cuddle with you all day long.
 
Linda Iroff
Raisin Retreat Ferret Shelter
Oberlin, OH
http://www.oberlin.edu/~liroff/ncfs.html
 
To help in raisin' funds for the Raisin Retreat, go here
http://www.eyegive.com/html/ssi.cfm?CID=3585&MID=30146
[Posted in FML issue 2497]