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Clermont County woman charged with animal cruelty

A Clermont County woman is facing serious charges. Ann Shatto, 61, is accused of neglecting dozens of animals, including dogs and donkeys. Police from Clermont County Animal Control and Pierce Township were called to Shatto's home, where animals were being kept in unsuitable conditions. This happened on September 27th when Cincinnati was hit by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. When Pierce Township police arrived at the home, they couldn't believe what they saw. “In my 35 years as a police officer, I have never seen a case like this,” said Pierce Township Police Chief Paul Broxterman. In body camera video obtained by WLWT, dogs bark as police approach and enter Shatto's home. When police walk through the door, they find nearly 40 dogs stacked in cages stacked on top of each other. “There were deplorable conditions inside and a flea infestation throughout the house,” Broxterman said. “Five of the dogs appeared to be malnourished and in need of urgent attention.” Police also found two cats living in the house. Outside, they saw five donkeys in a fenced area around the property. A donkey was found lying on the ground. Police attempted to help the animal leave the property, but it was later euthanized due to organ failure. They were taken to Fighting Chance Animal Rescue. The other donkeys were examined by veterinarians. They were underweight and infested with worms. “She had good intentions, but she was overwhelmed. In addition, the municipality does not allow an animal shelter to be established in the municipality,” Broxterman said. Broxterman says Shatto often left these animals in someone else's care. “She apparently had a volunteer who looked after the animals throughout the week,” Broxterman said. “She traveled during the week and was home on weekends.” Neighbors who live nearby say they don't understand how someone could do something like that. “Really stop hurting animals because animal abuse is not OK,” said Clermont County neighbor Johndare Andrews. We contacted the Clermont County Animal Shelter. They said they had no comment. Police said Shatto faces animal cruelty and zoning charges. This investigation is still ongoing.

CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio –

A Clermont County woman is facing serious charges.

Ann Shatto, 61, is accused of neglecting dozens of animals, including dogs and donkeys.

Police from Clermont County Animal Control and Pierce Township were called to Shatto's home, where animals were being kept in unsuitable conditions.

This happened on September 27th when Cincinnati was hit by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. When Pierce Township police arrived at the home, they couldn't believe what they saw.

“In my 35 years as a police officer, I have never seen a case like this,” said Pierce Township Police Chief Paul Broxterman.

In body camera video obtained by WLWT, dogs bark as police approach and enter Shatto's home.

When police walk through the door, they find nearly 40 dogs stacked in cages stacked on top of each other.

“The conditions inside were deplorable and there was a flea infestation throughout the house,” Broxterman said. “Five of the dogs appeared to be malnourished and in need of urgent attention.”

Police also found two cats living in the house.

Outside, they saw five donkeys in a fenced area around the property. A donkey was found lying on the ground.

Police attempted to help the animal leave the property, but it was later euthanized due to organ failure.

They were taken to Fighting Chance Animal Rescue.

The other donkeys were examined by veterinarians. They were underweight and infested with worms.

“She had good intentions, but she was overwhelmed. In addition, the municipality does not allow an animal shelter to be established in the municipality,” Broxterman said.

Broxterman says Shatto often left these animals in someone else's care.

“She apparently had a volunteer who looked after the animals during the week,” Broxterman said. “She traveled during the week and was home on the weekends.”

Neighbors who live nearby say they don't understand how someone could do something like this.

“Really stop hurting animals because animal abuse is not OK,” said Clermont County neighbor Johndare Andrews.

We contacted the Clermont County Animal Shelter. They said they had no comment.

Police said Shatto faces animal cruelty and zoning charges.

This investigation is still ongoing.

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