DAYTON — Dozens of animals were saved from a condemned home in Dayton last week.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton removed 31 cats, one dog, and one opossum from a home in the 1000 block of Old Orchard Avenue on Jan. 16.
TRENDING STORIES:
- 23-year-old man killed in local shooting; Suspect arrested
- Long-track winter storm develops; Impact on Miami Valley still uncertain
- Coroner IDs 29-year-old stabbed to death in Dayton; man charged
“It was probably one of the worst environmental situations we have found animals in, and many of the animals didn’t survive. So the ones that did are now in our care and are being cared for properly,” Humane Society of Greater Dayton CEO Brian Weltge said.
Agents found trash and feces piling up, no running water, and several dead animals inside.
Animals were confined in cramped cages, traps, and carriers, many living on top of layers of their own waste.
“I think, eight cats, I think they were in a storage unit that was also in really bad conditions. I mean, it’s not climate control. They’re sleeping in their own feces. They’re all contained,” Weltge said. “And it’s just not good.”
A team of veterinarians is working to help the rescued animals recover.
The owner, Gale Liebrock, has since been arrested on animal cruelty and neglect, concealed carry of a weapon, obstructing official business, and falsification charges.
“This was a person who lived there by himself. He was actually, apparently, sleeping out in his vehicle. And so he wasn’t able to stay in the home himself,” Weltge said.
Liebrock remains booked in the Montgomery County Jail.
“This gentleman needs help. And so, hopefully, through the court system, he’s going to get the help that he needs so that there’s not a repeat of this. And again, this is a very serious condition that the animals were in, and also, this didn’t happen overnight,” Weltge said.
News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]