×

Arrests made in animal cruelty case

STEUBENVILLE — Two men who allegedly abandoned three dogs, three cats and a gecko in a home in the Wintersville area have been taken into custody, Jefferson County Humane Agent Brian Young reports.

Young said police in McMechen notified them Thursday evening of the arrest of Jason Aspinall, 39, and Michael Aspinall, 32, on arrest warrants Young filed more than a month ago after he discovered all but one of the animals dead — two dogs were locked in crates in an upstairs bedroom, with one cat on the floor nearby. Two other cats were crated in the basement.

One dog, which he named “Lucky,” appeared to have been crated as well but managed to get himself loose.

McMechen police were not available for comment Friday, but Young said they were told both men were found in that community. They’re currently being held in Northern Regional Jail, Moundsville, on fugitive warrants.

“I don’t know a lot of the details,” Young said. “They got a tip, went and knocked on the door and ended up getting both of them at the same house.”

Lucky’s ribs were showing and he weighed only 42 pounds when he was found.

“He’s doing wonderful,” Young said. “He picked up 20-some pounds before he was adopted out, he went to a very good home. She’s a wonderful owner for Lucky — he finally gets to be a dog.”

Young said he’s not surprised about the number of tips that were called in after the grisly discovery March 8.

“People take animal crimes a lot more seriously than people realize,” Young said, adding when someone makes a post about a dog left outside in the cold, for instance, “a lot of times people beat me there, they’re wanting to know why they’re outside.”

Young said he wishes he could have gotten in the house in time to save all the animals, but being able to save even one of them is a victory.

“His life turned around and he’s ended up in a wonderful home and will never have to worry again,” Young said.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today