LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) – The owners of a former animal sanctuary in Columbiana County learned their sentence Friday in an animal neglect case.
The jail sentence for members of the Sacco family, which owned Alchemy Acres Animal Sanctuary, was waived, but they must serve five years on probation.
The sentence was part of a deal reached after humane agents seized about 200 animals, reporting they were in a “filthy, unhealthy” environment.
They’re prohibited from owning, or being involved in any animal rescue, any animal business or animal organization of any kind for five years.
The animals that were at the shelter were surrendered and put up for adoption by the Columbiana County Humane Society.
Animal Welfare advocates at Friday’s sentencing said more laws are needed to offer more protection.
“Any place that houses animals should be open to inspection at least once or twice a year, unannounced. It’s unfortunate, but I think that’s what we need to do to protect the animals. They can’t call 9-1-1, they can’t call anybody, just like with children we need to protect them. Someone needs to be looking out for the animals,” said Brenda Austin.
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