Suspected human bones, hundreds of rats found in Ohio home
Suspected human bones, plus 253 rats and other animals both dead and alive, have been removed from "deplorable conditions" inside an Ohio home.
A 45-year-old Ohio man who lived in a Canton home where remains and bodies were removed is facing seven counts of prohibitions concerning companion animals. He was booked into the Stark County Jail on Wednesday. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Canton Municipal Court.
Harry Campbell, chief investigator at the Stark County Coroner's Office, said Thursday that he does not know if the bones are connected to a homicide. He said they are believed to be from a human and appear to be quite old. The office may have the remains examined by a forensic anthropologist to determine whether it is possible to extract DNA.
The Canton Police Department's complaint against the suspect says he knowingly caused serious physical harm to three dogs, two birds and two turtles "by confining the animals in deplorable conditions. The residence was filled with hundreds of rats, feces, urine, dirt, garbage, clutter, deceased animal remains, and other contamination."
Police received a complaint Tuesday about suspected animal cruelty occurring at the address.
Canton's Law Director Jason Reese said police, building and health departments executed search warrants at the home on Wednesday.
He did not have a tally of the total number of dead animals found inside, but an animal rescue group collected more than 100 deceased rats.
Law director: Multiple bags of dead rats found in Canton home
The live rats, and more than 100 dead ones, were removed from the home by The Pipsqueakery, an animal rescue organization from Bloomington, Indiana, and a representative of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
"They showed up with brand-new cages and food and medicine and bedding for the rats," Reese said. "It was quite impressive to see this group go into action.
"The place was in absolute deplorable condition and we're thankful for the individuals from not only our local humane society but the (Pipsqueakery) were very helpful in helping to remedy this situation and care for these animals."
The Pipsqueakery plans to have the rats spayed, neutered and made available for adoption after receiving veterinary care. A Thursday post on its Facebook page said nine rat pups had already been born to the animals it collected Wednesday.
The dogs and parakeets went to the Stark County Humane Society.
Two turtles, a common snapper and an African side-necked turtle, were taken by another rescue group, Herps Alive, of South Euclid, Ohio.
Jackie Godbey, executive director of the Stark County Humane Society, said she did not know the total number of dead animals removed from the home. A chicken, which still had feathers, was among those found.
Reese said a second person is expected to be charged. He said the suspect is already being held in jail on another matter.
Reach Nancy at nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com.