Veterinarian released from jail

FREMONT — A woman accused of neglecting more than 100 animals in her care was released from jail on her own recognizance shortly after her arrest on Tuesday. Laura A. Hirt, 71, of the 3300 block of County Road 175, who local authorities identified as a veterinarian, was served a search and seizure warrant on Tuesday morning following an indictment by a Sandusky County grand jury on Friday for five counts of cruelty against companion animals, each a fifth-degree felony. According to Hirt's indictment, the alleged crimes occurred between November 2024 to December 2024. Hirt allegedly knowingly caused serious physical harm to "Dennis," a domestic shorthaired male cat, as well as several other cats. According to a news release from the Humane World for Animals, formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States, deputies and agents from local and national humane societies assisted the sheriff's office and the Sandusky County dog warden in searching Hirt's home, which resulted in the removal of over 100 animals. During the search, authorities found dogs, cats, goats, alpacas, donkeys, guinea pigs, rabbits, exotic birds and a pig living in conditions consistent with "large-scale neglect," according to the news release. Responders encountered about 20 dogs moving through a hallway lined with caged parrots. One of the parrots appeared to have a wound on its wing, and a strong ammonia odor was noted throughout the home, the release states. Inside the basement, authorities located an examination table that appeared to have drops of dried blood and dirty pawprints. While in the basement, responders discovered several rabbits in a room filled with feces and urine. They also found a tray with used needles and unlabeled medications, along with dozens of cats showing signs of upper respiratory illnesses, indicated by eye and nasal discharge. The animals have been relocated to undisclosed places for treatment of their injuries, according to the release. Sandusky County dog warden Kelly L. Pocock said that her agency was first made aware of the situation when one of Hirt's volunteers reached out to make a complaint and that the investigation into the complaint began in August 2024. Pocock added that due to Hirt being indicted by a Sandusky County grand jury preceding the search warrant of her home, there may be additional charges in the future. "The animals are being housed and cared for by the Humane World for Animals," Pocock said. Hirt is scheduled to be arraigned in court at 10 a.m. on March 11, according to court records.