Dog trainer charged with cruelty to animals

SENECA COUNTY --- A woman who owns a dog training facility was charged with animal cruelty Wednesday. Madyson Bauknecht, 20, of Kenton was charged with two counts of cruelty to animals, which are misdemeanors of the second degree. She is the owner and operator of Empowered K-9's of Findlay, a facility that also provides boarding, pet sitting and private lessons, according to its website. The case is set for arraignment at 9 a.m. Aug. 13. The charges come after the Humane Society of Seneca County was called to her Fostoria residence in June after a neighbor reported to the Fostoria Police Department that Bauknecht had not been home in two weeks and left her animals inside. Three living dogs and a deceased puppy were impounded from her residence June 16. Two vials of animal medication and an animal medication package were also seized, according to a Humane Society of Seneca County notice of seizure and impoundment. A civil case filed against Bauknecht by the Humane Society in Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court ordered that "all animals seized shall be cared for and maintained by the Seneca County Humane Society," pending completion of the case. It was ruled that she cannot possess or reside with "any companion animals" pending completion of the case. Bauknecht was ordered to pay $2,178.98 for the "interim care" of the animals. The civil case was closed July 9 after "the animal owner failed to pay the care deposit ordered by this court," according to court records. The law states that the Human Society may make "final disposition of the subject animals," which allowed the case to be closed.