BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — A Belmont County man has been sentenced to three years in prison after the deaths of three dogs and two rabbits that authorities say died from starvation and dehydration under his care.
According to court records, Timothy Newman told the judge that he became the sole caretaker of the animals after his wife was jailed. He admitted that he failed to provide food or water, resulting in the deaths of the pets.
The animals included dogs that were left inside a vacant house and rabbits that were kept in an outdoor cage. Officials said all five animals suffered prolonged neglect before dying in what the court described as “agonizing” conditions.
During sentencing, Judge John Vavra imposed the maximum penalty, stating that Newman “knowingly abandoned five harmless pets” and caused unnecessary suffering and death.
A representative from Belmont County Hoof and Paw Humane Society supported the sentence, describing the animals’ suffering as severe and prolonged due to the lack of basic care.
Court records also revealed that Newman has a prior criminal history, including offenses such as theft, forgery, assault, stalking, harassment, and obstructing justice. The judge further noted that he was previously discharged from the military following a court-martial for assaulting a supervisor.
The case has drawn attention in the community for the severity of the neglect and the maximum sentence imposed in response to the cruelty involved.