(Franklin County, IN) – Two people have entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced in connection with the seizure of more than 90 dogs from a home in Franklin County’s Salt Creek Township last summer.
Paul Bartish and Jennifer Turner were charged with Cruelty to an Animal and Harboring a Non-Immunized Dog after their home on Beacon Road was searched by Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies on the morning of July 15, 2022, as part of an effort that also involved the Indiana Board of Animal Health.
Franklin County Circuit Court 2 Judge Clay Kellerman accepted Bartish and Turner’s plea agreements and sentenced them each to one-year probation plus court costs.
Both Bartish and Turner will be required to perform 100 hours of community service as part of their probation.
The couple will also have to pay $3,790 in restitution. The Franklin County Humane Society will receive $2,790 while the remaining $1,000 will go to the Friends of the Franklin County Animal Shelter for expenses incurred during and after the rescue operation.
The dogs received veterinary care and were taken in by a variety of animal rescue groups. Dozens of the dogs are still housed at animal shelters in several states.
