Portage County, Ohio – After the discovery of 146 deceased dogs on her property in Mantua on June 16th, Barbara Wible, the 69-year-old woman facing animal cruelty charges, has passed away. This news was confirmed by 3News’ Lynna Lai through the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, with Portage County Prosecutor Victor Vigluicci stating that Wible’s criminal cases will be closed. Additionally, the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office plans to file a motion to dismiss in light of her death.
The legal troubles for Wible began when she was indicted for neglecting 36 dogs at her Parma residence, resulting in the deaths of 14. Authorities were alerted to the situation on June 2nd when Parma police and fire responded to a welfare check. The investigation revealed that 36 dogs were found locked in cages without food or water for an extended period.
Wible, who served as the president and co-founder of Canine Lifeline, a dog rescue organization, also faced similar charges in Portage County. The discovery of 146 dead dogs on her property raised concerns about her treatment of animals. Amy Belcher, the executive director of PAWS Ohio, expressed gratitude to the prosecutors for holding Wible accountable for her actions.
Belcher emphasized the seriousness of Wible’s actions, stating that her neglect and mistreatment of animals led to unnecessary suffering and deaths. While addressing Wible’s death, Belcher remarked that she believed in a higher judgment for such egregious conduct towards animals.
The animal cruelty case involving Wible sheds light on the importance of proper care and treatment of animals in rescue organizations. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the dogs on Wible’s property as the legal proceedings come to a close. The impact of this case serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with caring for animals and the consequences of failing to meet those standards.