A Rushsylvania man arrested Friday, Nov. 29 for an outstanding warrant also received a summons for cruelty to animals after a malnourished and neglected pitbull puppy was found at his residence.
Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office attempted to make contact with Seth A. Wagner, 31, on Thursday, Nov. 28, for a warrant through the Bellefontaine Police Department.
After failing to make contact with the suspect at his residence, deputies observed a small brown puppy crawl from underneath a flipped over couch in the backyard.
The puppy was tied to a pallet and a bed frame with a leash and a rope around its neck. The rope was tightened with a metal ring and a knot to keep it from coming loose. It was constrictive enough that the fur around the animal’s neck was reportedly almost bare.
Deputies report the puppy was emaciated with its rib bones and spine showing through its coat.
A pan and a glass bowl filled with leaves, dirt and frozen water were on the ground out of the puppy’s reach. There was feces and stuffing from the couch on the ground around the pup.
The puppy, which deputies believe was left without adequate food, water or shelter for some time, was taken to the sheriff’s office.
Wagner told deputies via phone Thursday prior to his arrest that he was out of town because of the Thanksgiving holiday and that his soon-to-be ex-wife, who had moved out about a month ago, was supposed to pick the puppy up four days ago.
Deputies made contact with Wagner Friday at his residence. He was taken into custody and transported to the Logan County Jail.
While en route to the jail, Wagner’s spouse contacted deputies and told them she left the puppy with Wagner and had no intentions of taking it, adding, that she believed the suspect had gotten rid of the dog.