Ohio man allegedly left horses standing in own manure, dogs 20 pounds underweight in hoarding case

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — A probable cause hearing in a Belmont County animal abuse case ran long on Thursday when the accused man, acting as his own attorney, insisted on cross-examining the witness at length.

Scott Wolfe and his girlfriend, Tess Coleman of Barnesville, were allegedly keeping 20 dogs and puppies and three horses in deplorable conditions.

At times, the horses were allegedly being kept inside Wolfe’s appliance business in Barnesville, and the dogs in filthy crates without food or water.

The Belmont County Hoof and Paw humane agent testified that people called continuously, complaining about the animals’ condition and odor.

At one point, Wolfe demanded, “Does the public have the right to beat up on me?”

The judge had to caution him several times.

The problem was the living conditions. Feces in a lot of places. They’re lying in their feces. They’re very thin dogs. We’ve already confirmed that one dog was 20 pounds underweight. The horses have lost some muscle mass from not being able to get out and get proper exercise. And also standing in their own manure.”

Julie Larish, Humane Agent, Belmont County Hoof and Paw

The hearing ran so long that the judge had to adjourn temporarily to attend to the rest of the cases on the docket.

They resumed the hearing in mid-afternoon.

The dogs and horses are now recovering in the custody of Belmont County Hoof and Paw.

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