2 Tiffin residents charged with animal cruelty in Wyandot County

Two Tiffin residents have been accused of animal cruelty in Wyandot County. Orville N. Alabaugh, 72, and Debbra M. Alabaugh, 67, both were charged with one count of cruelty/animals, a second-degree misdemeanor, according to Upper Sandusky Municipal Court records. Arraignment hearings are set for 9 a.m. Jan. 6. A search warrant had followed an investigation into animal neglect and cruelty at a puppy mill at 5046 SH 53, Upper Sandusky, according to Wyandot County Sheriff's Office. The Alabaughs own the facility, according to the sheriff's office. Officials found 150 dogs, with one being deceased, and 149 were removed and placed with Humane Society of Wyandot County. Orville Alabaugh was charged with depriving a companion animal of necessary sustenance or confining the companion animal without supplying it during the confinement with sufficient quantities of good wholesome food and water, a second-degree misdemeanor, through Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court. That charge follows execution of a search warrant at 175 N. Sandusky St., Tiffin, the residence of Orville Alabaugh and Debbra Alabaugh. According to court records, officers discovered 17 puppies in several small cages in the dining room. Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court Judge Mark Repp denied a request for diversion. He had said diversion is designed to be a "break" in which people admit the mistake, and he shared two concerns – the magnitude of the situation and fairness – about granting diversion. Kelle Saull, Orville Alabaugh's attorney, had said the defense is seeking dismissal of the charge in Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court.