Arlington man charged in animal care case

ARLINGTON — Dogs were confiscated from an Arlington man's property Wednesday. Gary Miller, of Arlington, has been charged with two counts of prohibition concerning companion animals. Seven huskies were taken from Miller's property as a result of the charges, which are second degree misdemeanors. The dogs are currently at the Hancock Humane Society pending the result of the case. The charges find Miller in violation of Ohio Revised Code 959.131.D.3, a subsection of prohibitions concerning companion animals' "access to shelter from heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, or excessive direct sunlight." Municipal court documents state Miller confined companion animals without offering them shelter from heat or excessive sunlight, which would prevent them from suffering or becoming sick. Lizz Ash, Hancock County Dog Warden 2, took the temperature of the dog houses Wednesday with readings between 103 and 105 degrees, documents state. Miller and his dogs came up at a recent Arlington Village Council meeting. Arlington Mayor Marcia Smith said in an interview Thursday several council members have been over to the residence to try and work with Miller, but no resolution could be reached. Dana Berger, Hancock County Dog Warden, said he gave Miller a 24-hour verbal notice on July 19 to purchase and put up tarps to protect the dogs from the summer heat. The tarps were not put up within the 24-hour period, Berger said, and a request to charge Miller was then submitted to the Hancock County Prosecutor's office.