Miami County Animal Control Officers in cooperation with the Miami County Sheriff Department executed a search
warrant at Our Farm Sanctuary on Monday, July 15, 2024 based upon multiple credible complaints from current and past
volunteers concerning the conditions and care of animals. While investigating, officers found over 100 cats, many of which
had serious upper respiratory infections, in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. The poor air quality prevented the
animals from receiving proper medical care.
The officers ultimately seized 43 cats from the rescue and will continue to work with Our Farm Sanctuary to improve the
conditions of the facility and properly treat the remaining cats. Dr. Paige of West Milton Veterinary was onsite to assist in
the investigation and preliminary triage of the animals.
Miami County Animal Control officers previously responded to this address in May 2022 and August 2023 based on
volunteer complaints of unsanitary conditions and overcrowding. The Sanctuary was warned each time to improve the
conditions and reduce the number of animals in their care.
“Even with the best intentions, many times rescues find themselves in a position where they are overwhelmed and unable
to provide quality care for their animals,” said Animal Shelter Director Robert Craft, “and in this case after multiple
attempts to work with Our Farm Sanctuary we had no choice but to execute the search warrant and take legal action to
protect the animals in their care.”
Charges are pending.
“We are so thankful for those community members who stepped up and reported the conditions at the rescue so that we
were able to do our job to protect the welfare of Miami County animals,” said Craft. Anyone with information about this
case is encouraged to contact the Animal Shelter at [email protected].
The cats will be available for adoption after they have received the appropriate medical care, including spay/neutering.
Adoption applications will not be accepted for these cats until they are cleared for adoption. Updates about adoptable
cats will be posted on their website at www.miamicountyohio.gov/110/animalshelter.
For more information, contact Rob Craft, Animal Shelter Director at 937.332.6919.
