A Rushsylvania woman recently released from prison is not prohibited from owning a dog, Logan County Dog Warden Benji Avila reports, and she seems to be doing a good job caring for the male mixed breed dog which had been at the Top of Ohio Pet Shelter for 2 1/2 years.
 This Facebook post by the Top of Ohio Pet Shelter prompted an outcry among Internet users and numerous calls to the Logan County Dog Warden. Mary Strawser, shown with the pit bull Malcolm, was recently released from prison after serving a sentence for reckless homicide for a severe case of neglect that resulted in the death of her 100-year-old mother.(PHOTO | FACEBOOK) |
Ms. Strawser received an early release in late March after serving 11 months of an 18-month sentence.
She pleaded guilty to the charges last spring.
She was charged after her mother, Blanche Cowen, 100, was found dead March 10, 2014, in a mobile home just 50 or so feet from the Strawser home at 7760 N. County Road 5. Ms. Cowen was malnourished, dehydrated and covered in bed sores and filth.
Deputy Avila and Mike Madigan of the local Adult Parole Authority office visited Ms. Strawser last Wednesday.
They found nothing of concern with the conditions of the home or the dog.
“The dog was extremely friendly and showed no signs of aggression,” Deputy Avila said.
Prior to serving her sentence, Ms. Strawser had a pit bull which she cared for and handled with no problems.
That dog died while she was serving her term.
Deputy Avila said Ms. Strawser uses Northside Veterinary for her dog’s care and the dog is neutered.
Ohio has laws prohibiting felons convicted of cruelty to animals, certain drugs and weapons crimes or violent felonies from owning dogs for a period time after their release from prison.
Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark S. O’Connor and the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office are aware of the situation, Deputy Avila said, and no one has found a reason to take the dog from Ms. Strawser.
As a recent parolee, she also will be subject to frequent visits by the APA. Deputy Avila said he intends to have follow-up visits with Ms. Strawser.