LAURA A. HIRT, veterinarian and founder of Another Chance Sanctuary, indicted on felony charges of cruelty to companion animals

1 day ago3 min read

Updated: 3 hours ago

- Ohio, USA -

⚠️WARNING⚠️Some of the pictures included in the article are graphic and very distressing⚠️

~ Update: February 27, 2025

Humane World for Animals tells me that “several deceased cats, dogs and a guinea pig were found on the property.”

With regard to the rescued animals, I was told: “We are in the process of conducting in-depth veterinary exams and starting treatment plans. None of the animals have been euthanized.”

~ Original story:

Sandusky County authorities announced that 71-year-old Dr. LAURA A. HIRT (pictured), veterinarian and founder of Another Chance Sanctuary, was indicted on animal cruelty charges.

Sandusky County Chief Dog Warden Kelly Pocock said in a press release that over the past couple of months, the Humane Agents from the Humane Society of Sandusky County have been investigating allegations of cruelty/neglect to animals at a residence owned by HIRT on 3320 County Road 175 in Clyde. According to the press release, “The residence, is also known as Another Chance Sanctuary.”

Ms. Pocock said: “We are aware that this individual has seen veterinary clients in this residence, which raises concerns about the risk of exposure to contagious illnesses identified among the population of animals here, including feline leukemia.”

On February 21, 2025, HIRT was indicted on five felony counts of cruelty to companion animals.

The investigation also led to the execution of a search warrant at the aforementioned residence on February 25, 2025.

Chief Dog Warden Pocock said that a total of a hundred and ten (110) animals were removed after being found to be living in “conditions consistent with large-scale neglect.”

Sandusky County authorities requested the assistance of Humane World for Animals (formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States) after concerns were raised about the welfare of the animals on the property.

According to the press release by the Humane World for Animals, alpacas, cats, dogs, donkeys, exotic birds, goats, guinea pigs, a pig, and rabbits, “were found living in conditions consistent with large-scale neglect.”

The press release goes on to say that “Responders were greeted by about 20 dogs weaving throughout a hallway lined with caged parrots. One of the parrots had an apparent wound on his or her wing.”

Humane World for Animals also said that in the basement of the residence, responders found an examination table “with drops of dried blood and dirty pawprints.”

Next to the table was a surgical tray containing used needles and sutures alongside various medications, some unlabeled.

In the corner, responders located a tabby cat “hunched over in a cage with an apparent eye injury which veterinarians noted appeared to be very painful.”

Dozens of cats were also discovered in adjoining rooms. Some of them had apparent upper respiratory illnesses characterized by eye and nasal discharge.

In the basement, responders additionally found many rabbits on concrete flooring, which was covered in feces and urine.

Veterinarians noted that many of the animals were suffering from severe dental disease.

All of the Voiceless Victims removed from the residence were taken to undisclosed locations to receive in-depth veterinary exams and much-needed care.

Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, a forensic veterinary consultant for Humane World for Animals and Ohio representative for Humane Veterinary Medical Alliance, said: “This is particularly egregious because a veterinarian has the knowledge and expertise to recognize when animals need help. We swear an oath to treat animals with dignity and respect and our communities trust us to put the utmost importance into the welfare and health of animals. This is a shocking anomaly.”

Deputies with the Sandusky County Sheriff’s Office arrested HIRT on the indictment and she was transported to the Sandusky County Jail. Online records show she is no longer in custody.

On a separate note, WJW reports that in 2017, HIRT “was fined for performing surgery on a dog that wasn’t justified.” In 2018, HIRT was fined again “after a woman brought her dog, Bourbon, in to get two teeth removed”. Instead, HIRT neutered Bourbon.

###

Voice For Us Disclaimer: Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Pictures shared from Humane World for Animals

HIRT’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Sandusky County Sheriff's Office