MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A Marion resident has been charged with animal cruelty after an incident involving an injured dog.
On July 28, Dog Warden and Humane Agent Scott Mills responded to reports of an injured canine at the 600 block of Universal Avenue.
The dog was subsequently transported to a veterinary clinic, where it was discovered that it had been shot in the face with a BB gun, resulting in severe damage to its right eye.
Further investigations led by Mills, in collaboration with Detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, members of the Marion County Dog Warden’s Office, and the Marion Area Humane Society, culminated in the execution of a search warrant at the residence on July 30.
Authorities seized three additional dogs, ten cats, and three BB guns from the property.
As a result of the investigation, Justin Andrick Jr. has been arrested and charged with Prohibitions Concerning Companion Animals, a fifth-degree felony.
Additional charges have been filed against Cassidy Andrick and Chandler Oquin concerning the remaining animals.
The seized animals are currently being sheltered pending the resolution of the legal proceedings.
Sheriff Matt Bayles praised the collective efforts of all agencies involved in the case and reaffirmed the commitment of the Marion County
Sheriff’s Office and humane agents to safeguarding vulnerable animals in the community.
Marion County Now will continue to cover this developing story.