Authorities have removed what are believed to be human bones, along with hundreds of live and deceased animals, from a Canton home described as being in “deplorable conditions.”
According to a report from the Canton Repository, law enforcement discovered 253 rats—both living and dead—along with dogs, birds, turtles, and other animals inside the residence at 1028 Wertz Ave. SW. A 45-year-old man who lived at the address has been charged with seven felony counts related to the mistreatment of companion animals. He was booked into the Stark County Jail on Wednesday and is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Canton Municipal Court.
Harry Campbell, the chief investigator at the Stark County Coroner’s Office, told the Canton Repository that the bones found in the home are believed to be human and appear to be quite old. It remains unclear if they are connected to any criminal case. Authorities may seek forensic analysis to determine whether DNA can be extracted from the remains.
A police complaint states that the suspect inflicted serious harm on multiple animals by confining them in hazardous conditions. Investigators described the home as being overrun with rats and littered with feces, urine, garbage, and deceased animal remains. Canton police executed search warrants on Wednesday with assistance from the city’s building and health departments following a complaint about suspected animal cruelty.
Canton Law Director Jason Reese told the Canton Repository that while officials have not yet determined the full number of deceased animals, an animal rescue group removed more than 100 dead rats. Some of the rats were found inside multiple plastic bags, with Reese noting that they appeared to be “fancy rats,” a breed commonly kept as pets.
Live rats, as well as more than 100 deceased ones, were taken by The Pipsqueakery, an animal rescue group based in Bloomington, Indiana. A representative from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) also assisted in the removal efforts. Reese commended the rescue workers, stating that they arrived with new cages, food, medicine, and bedding for the surviving rats. The Pipsqueakery has since announced plans to spay and neuter the animals before making them available for adoption. According to a Facebook post from the organization on Thursday, at least nine rat pups have already been born from the rescued group.
Other animals were taken in by local rescues. The Stark County Humane Society received the dogs and parakeets, while Herps Alive, a reptile rescue in South Euclid, took custody of two turtles—a common snapping turtle and an African side-necked turtle. Jackie Godbey, executive director of the Stark County Humane Society, confirmed to the Canton Repository that a chicken was also found among the deceased animals.
Reese indicated that a second individual is expected to face charges in connection to the case. The primary suspect remains in custody on an unrelated matter.
For more details, read the Canton Repository’s original report here.
