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STEFFEN EVAN BALDWIN, former Union County humane agent, sentenced for animal cruelty

- Ohio, USA -


So many people have been waiting for this….


On March 13, 2025, in Union County Common Pleas Court, Franklin County Judge Daniel Hogan sentenced 44-year-old STEFFEN EVAN BALDWIN (pictured) for animal cruelty, bribery, and other charges.


BALDWIN, alias STEFFEN FINKELSTEIN, is co-founder of the Underdog Alliance in California, former chief humane agent for the Union County Humane Society in Ohio, and former executive director of Top of Ohio Pet Shelter in Logan County also in Ohio.


Union County Court of Common Pleas records show that BALDWIN was facing fifty-three counts in total, several relating to animal abuse.


According to prosecutors, BALDWIN, who once presented himself as an animal rights activist, misled supporters into believing he was rescuing and rehabilitating dogs, instead, he needlessly euthanized innocent dogs and kept raising money for the Voiceless Victims he had already put down.


During the trial, prosecutors argued that BALDWIN used his position to deceive donors and described him as a manipulative figure. Prosecutors also said that BALDWIN euthanized at least eight dogs to make space for others he was paid to train.


Judge Hogan sentenced BALDWIN to fifteen and a half years in prison, with twenty-three days of jail credit. BALDWIN will not be eligible for release before serving at least seven years and nine months. After serving prison time, BALDWIN will be placed on a five-year probation during which time he is to be subject to random drug screening, to be ineligible to leave Ohio, and to be ineligible to own a firearm.

Additionally, the judge imposed an indefinite ban on BALDWIN “owning” companion animals in the state of Ohio.


Investigators say BALDWIN’s crimes date back years, but the case would never have come together without the help of Angelo and Litsa Kargakos, furparents of Remington, known as Remi.


Back in 2020, 10TV interviewed Litsa and Angelo. The couple said that in 2016, they reached out to BALDWIN and he was prepared to work with Remi. Litsa and Angelo gave BALDWIN $1,000 and placed their baby Remi in his care.


10TV reports that within months, Litsa “saw red flags” and asked BALDWIN to see Remi “to check on his progress but was always denied.”


The situation got to the point where Litsa threatened to go to the county commissioners if she didn’t hear from BALDWIN and she and Angelo put up posters offering a reward for more information about Remi’s whereabouts.

Only at that point BALDWIN contacted Litsa and Angelo and asked them for a mediation session with an attorney to explain what happened.


Litsa recounted the devastating facts and told 10TV: “He fabricated a story and stated that Remi broke out of his kennel and that he attacked and killed another dog, and then he had to euthanize Remi due to the wounds. I didn’t believe any aspect of the story at that point, and he said that he had to euthanize Remi due to the horrific wounds that he had, and we came to find out that Remi didn’t have one mark on him when he was euthanized.”


Litsa and Angelo created a Facebook Group in honor of their baby Remi, Justice 4 Remi. Part of a post published after BALDWIN’s sentence read: “We can finally close this chapter of our lives and begin to heal from the loss of Remi. I know that Remi did not die in vain. I know that Remi’s death triggered the investigation that helped 18 total dogs get justice against the monster who stole their lives. I know that because of Remi Steffen Baldwin will be serving a substantial prison sentence. I know because of Remi no more animals will be hurt under Steffens care.”


Just like Litsa, I too wish BALDWIN would have gotten life in prison!


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Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.


BALDWIN’s mugshot shared from the Tri-County Regional Jail




 
 
 

LAURA A. HIRT, veterinarian and founder of Another Chance Sanctuary, indicted on felony charges of cruelty to companion animals

Updated: Feb 27

- Ohio, USA -


⚠️WARNING⚠️Some of the pictures included in the article are graphic and very distressing⚠️


~ Update: February 27, 2025


Humane World for Animals tells me that “several deceased cats, dogs and a guinea pig were found on the property.”

With regard to the rescued animals, I was told: “We are in the process of conducting in-depth veterinary exams and starting treatment plans. None of the animals have been euthanized.”


~ Original story:


Sandusky County authorities announced that 71-year-old Dr. LAURA A. HIRT (pictured), veterinarian and founder of Another Chance Sanctuary, was indicted on animal cruelty charges.


Sandusky County Chief Dog Warden Kelly Pocock said in a press release that over the past couple of months, the Humane Agents from the Humane Society of Sandusky County have been investigating allegations of cruelty/neglect to animals at a residence owned by HIRT on 3320 County Road 175 in Clyde. According to the press release, “The residence, is also known as Another Chance Sanctuary.”


Ms. Pocock said: “We are aware that this individual has seen veterinary clients in this residence, which raises concerns about the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses identified among the population of animals here, including feline leukemia.”


On February 21, 2025, HIRT was indicted on five felony counts of cruelty to companion animals.


The investigation also led to the execution of a search warrant at the aforementioned residence on February 25, 2025.


Chief Dog Warden Pocock said that a total of a hundred and ten (110) animals were removed after being found to be living in “conditions consistent with large-scale neglect.”


Sandusky County authorities requested the assistance of Humane World for Animals (formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States) after concerns were raised about the welfare of the animals on the property.


According to the press release by the Humane World for Animals, alpacas, cats, dogs, donkeys, exotic birds, goats, guinea pigs, a pig, and rabbits, “were found living in conditions consistent with large-scale neglect.”


The press release goes on to say that “Responders were greeted by about 20 dogs weaving throughout a hallway lined with caged parrots. One of the parrots had an apparent wound on his or her wing.”


Humane World for Animals also said that in the basement of the residence, responders found an examination table “with drops of dried blood and dirty pawprints.”

Next to the table was a surgical tray containing used needles and sutures alongside various medications, some unlabeled.


In the corner, responders located a tabby cat “hunched over in a cage with an apparent eye injury which veterinarians noted appeared to be very painful.”


Dozens of cats were also discovered in adjoining rooms. Some of them had apparent upper respiratory illnesses characterized by eye and nasal discharge.


In the basement, responders additionally found many rabbits on concrete flooring, which was covered in feces and urine.


Veterinarians noted that many of the animals were suffering from severe dental disease.


All of the Voiceless Victims removed from the residence were taken to undisclosed locations to receive in-depth veterinary exams and much-needed care.


Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, a forensic veterinary consultant for Humane World for Animals and Ohio representative for Humane Veterinary Medical Alliance, said: “This is particularly egregious because a veterinarian has the knowledge and expertise to recognize when animals need help. We swear an oath to treat animals with dignity and respect and our communities trust us to put the utmost importance into the welfare and health of animals. This is a shocking anomaly.”


Deputies with the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office arrested HIRT on the indictment and she was transported to the Sandusky County Jail. Online records show she is no longer in custody.


On a separate note, WJW reports that in 2017, HIRT “was fined for performing surgery on a dog that wasn’t justified.” In 2018, HIRT was fined again “after a woman brought her dog, Bourbon, in to get two teeth removed”. Instead, HIRT neutered Bourbon.


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Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.


Pictures shared from Humane World for Animals


HIRT’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Sandusky County Sheriff's Office





 
 
 

MARLIN RAE ADKINS arrested after dead and emaciated animals were found on a Marion County property

Updated: Feb 19

- Ohio, USA -


The Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 71-year-old MARLIN RAE ADKINS (pictured).


On February 13, 2025, deputies and a Humane Agent with the sheriff's office responded to a property in the 1000 block of Decliff Road North in Montgomery Township, after receiving a report about a horse who was stuck in a pasture fence.


Upon arrival, a deputy found a black and white horse with his/her front legs entangled within the fencing on the north side of the property.


The sheriff's office said the horse was so emaciated that it was evident he/she had been struggling to stand for quite some time.

With the assistance of a neighbor, deputies eventually were able to free the horse and due to obvious injuries, a vet was called in. The poor horse had no strength and could no longer stand. Sadly, he/she was euthanized.


In the meantime, deputies tried to make contact with ADKINS, the property owner, and while on site, they discovered seven deceased horses “with varying degrees of decay”, stated the press release by the sheriff’s office.


Four of the seven horses were found inside a barn among other living horses, while the other three were found in a pasture area behind the barn.


As the deputies continued to investigate, they noticed that the live animals on the property, including horses and goats, had no access to food or water.

Deputies did not find any grain or hay and “all viable water sources were frozen solid.”


Eleven horses and two goats were rescued from the property. According to the press release, they were all severely malnourished and emaciated.


ADKINS was arrested and charged with eighteen (18) counts of cruelty to animals and three (3) counts of failure to register a canine. Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles said more charges are possible after a veterinarian evaluates the rescued animals who were taken in by the Diamond M Veterinary Clinic and the Wyandot County Humane Society.


I reached out to Mr. David Balz, Director of Wyandot County Humane Society, to inquire about the rescued Voiceless Victims.

He tells me that none of them were euthanized and that all the horses and the goats are doing well. Mr. Balz explained: “All animals were examined by our 2 staff veterinarians and found to be in various poor body scores. (1-3)They did have fairly good winter coats, but all are heavily parasitized. They are all undergoing parasite treatment, will have their teeth checked and floated this week. Vaccines will be given while under anesthesia for dentals. Farrier is scheduled the following week.”


To my question regarding the cause of death of the horses, Mr. Balz answered: “My understanding is they all were dead of starvation or were in such a state of advanced decomposition that it could not be determined.”


I requested additional information about the horse who was euthanized, including name, and sex however these details were not known.


Mr. Balz also said that he will send me pictures of the rescued Voiceless Victims and added that “…around 20 years ago we seized many assorted animals from this same perpetrator at the same location.”


Sheriff Bayles said: “The conditions that these poor animals were living in was deplorable. We will always work tirelessly to protect those who cannot protect themselves and bring those to justice that choose to treat other living creatures with such incredible disregard for their welfare.”


Law enforcement agencies may work tirelessly to protect those who cannot protect themselves, but lawmakers and judges remain the stumbling block! ADKINS is out free when his old cruel behind should have been kept in a cell with no food or water!


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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.


ADKINS’ mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Multi-County Correctional Center





 
 
 

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