top of page

ALL POSTS

- 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.


###


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





- California, USA -


The SPCA Monterey County is seeking information about a man impersonating a veterinarian in Monterey County.


According to the press release by the agency, the individual, of Prunedale, “is providing veterinary care without a license and is suspected of animal abuse and cruelty. He has been giving veterinary examinations, prescribing medication, and even performing invasive surgeries in his home.”


The organization said that at least one innocent dog died as a result of the individual’s negligence and many other dogs are now in need of follow-up vet care.


The SPCA further said that the individual was most recently performing illegal, unlicensed veterinary procedures at a home in the 1600 block of Blackie Road in Prunedale and before that, at a home on McGowan in Salinas.


On November 4, 2024, investigators with the SPCA along with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and investigators with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, served a search warrant at the home on Blackie Road leading to the discovery of many dogs and two horses.


Officials found twelve French Bulldogs in small cages that did not have any food or water. Moreover, four of them were “housed in a shed with no access to sunlight or ventilation.”

A skinny German Shepherd was found roaming and a Doberman was discovered in a small kennel without any food or water.


All fourteen dogs as well as two horses were thankfully removed and are now safe. The two horses are back with their guardians and the dogs are “in protective custody”, said the SPCA.


Investigators with the SPCA believe that there may be additional victims in the community and are asking the public to come forward with information that can help with the ongoing investigation.

Please contact SPCA Humane Investigations Officer Emily Leon at (831) - 264 - 5436 or online at www.spcamc.org. Thank you!


# # #


Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Monterey County SPCA provided to Voice For Us. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.




- Arizona, USA -


On Monday, September 11, 2023, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department arrested 40-years-old ANDREW KYLE SHALEK (pictured) in connection with drug-related offenses and animal cruelty incidents that took place at a veterinarian clinic in Catalina Foothills where he was employed as veterinarian technician.


The arrest is the result of a joint investigation with the Drug Enforcement Administration launched on Friday, September 8, 2023.


Deputies responded to the clinic and the investigation revealed that fentanyl and hydromorphone had been removed from a locked drug cabinet. These drugs were meant to be utilized for surgeries and pain maintenance for animals. The sheriff’s department said SHALEK was caught on camera stealing the medicine from vials and replacing it with saline.


According to the criminal complaint obtained by Voice For Us, staff at the veterinary clinic told investigators “‘multiple surgeries experienced complicationsbecause painkillers used for procedures had been switched with saline.”


Detectives and the DEA executed a search warrant at SHALEK’s residence where evidence was found and confiscated.


The criminal complaint stated that SHALEK “admitted to injecting himself with the drugs” he further admitted to having a drug addiction and “could not help himself.”


Animal Cruelty detectives with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department are reviewing the case with the Pima County Attorney’s Office and said that additional charges may be forthcoming.


SHALEK has a criminal history in Pima County.


Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Link included.

Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.



SHALEK's mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.


Additional Source:





Subscribe Form

© 2025 Voice For Us
bottom of page