Cases | 2006-Ohio-4455(Ohio Ct. App. 2006) | 2018
Following the seizure of two underweight dogs from the defendant’s home, the defendant was convicted of depriving pets of necessary sustenance. After being removed, the dogs were taken to and cared for by a Humane Society facility. The defendant was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to reimburse the Humane Society for the costs of treating the dogs. The defendant appealed, arguing the order of restitution was improper as the trial court was not authorized to order reimbursement to the Humane Society. The appellate court found that the authorizing statute allowed for restitution to be paid to the victim of crime and the government for the cost of community control (probation) and certain forms of confinement. Reimbursement to the Humane Society for the costs associated with impounded animals is not authorized by the statute. The order of restitution was vacated.