MARSHA LEE HATFIELD’s trial set for October in large-scale animal cruelty and neglect case
- voiceforus
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
- Ohio, USA -
According to a press release issued by the Licking County Humane Society, the organization was contacted by the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office in June to assist in the rescue of more than 100 animals from a property on South Cove Lane, Norwich, following an animal-welfare investigation.
On June 16 and 24, 2026, the Licking County Humane Society and the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office worked together on a two-day rescue operation that resulted in the rescue of exotic birds, cats, chickens, and dogs found living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
Authorities said many of the animals were found standing in crates filled with urine and feces, while others lacked adequate food and water.
Tragically, authorities also discovered five dead dogs and one cat wrapped in trash bags inside a freezer. One of the surviving dogs was in such poor health that he/she had to be euthanized.
The Licking County Humane Society said approximately 66 dogs were removed from the property, with the organization taking in 42 of them. The organization said the dogs were living in “neglectful conditions and unfit environments.” The dogs were transported to the organization’s facility in Heath for “immediate intake and comprehensive medical evaluations.”
In connection with the investigation, the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office arrested 61-year-old MARSHA LEE HATFIELD (pictured) on July 30, 2026. HATFIELD was charged with 140 felony counts of animal cruelty and was released from the Muskingum County Jail one hour after her arrest.
On August 5, 2026, HATFIELD pleaded not guilty. Her trial is scheduled for October 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., in Muskingum County Court of Common Pleas with Judge Kelly J. Cottrill presiding.
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HATFIELD’s mugshot shared from the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office.
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