Clyde, Ohio – More than 100 animals have been rescued from severe neglect at the home and private animal sanctuary of a licensed veterinarian in Ohio, following a raid prompted by allegations of abuse.
On the morning of February 25, 2025, local authorities and animal welfare organizations executed a search warrant at Another Chance Sanctuary, the residence of Dr. Laura Hirt, a licensed veterinarian. At the scene, they discovered a wide range of animals-including dogs, cats, goats, alpacas, donkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs, exotic birds, and a pig-living in severely overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
“It was a horrifying sight,” said a rescue team member. “The air reeked of ammonia, and animals were crammed together in clear distress after having been left unattended for a long time.”
Injuries and Squalid Conditions
Veterinary experts reported that many of the animals were suffering from respiratory infections, ulcers, dehydration, severe dental and ear conditions, as well as open wounds and abscesses. One cat had a painful eye injury, parrots were found with missing feathers and abrasions, and rabbits were living on concrete floors covered in feces.
Shockingly, the site also contained used medical equipment, including a blood-stained exam table, used syringes, surgical sutures, and unlabeled medications-all scattered in filthy conditions, despite this being the home of a medical professional.
Even more disturbing, the team found the frozen bodies of dead animals, including dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. Necropsies are underway to determine the exact causes of death.
Criminal Charges and Expert Reactions
Prior to the raid, on February 21, a grand jury indicted Dr. Hirt on five felony counts of companion animal cruelty, classified as fifth-degree felonies under Ohio law.
Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, a veterinary forensic consultant, stated: “This case is particularly egregious. It is a shocking anomaly when a licensed veterinarian, someone trained to protect animals, is the one who neglected them.”
Emergency Rescue and Ongoing Treatment
The rescue operation involved Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the U.S.), the Sandusky County Humane Society, Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Green Dogs Unleashed, and RedRover.
All animals have been relocated to undisclosed care facilities for thorough medical evaluations and treatment. Several required immediate emergency hospitalization. One dog, now nicknamed “Murdock,” is currently undergoing intensive recovery.
Organizations are urgently calling for public donations to help fund the animals’ veterinary care and long-term rehabilitation.
Opinion: When a Healer Becomes the Harm
This case raises serious concerns about the oversight of privately operated animal sanctuaries, particularly those run by licensed professionals. With the support of the community and humane organizations, there is hope that justice will be served—and that the innocent victims will find the safety and care they deserve.
