- Ohio, USA -
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 71-year-old MARLIN RAE ADKINS (pictured).
On February 13, 2025, deputies and a Humane Agent with the sheriff's office responded to a property in the 1000 block of Decliff Road North in Montgomery Township, after receiving a report about a horse who was stuck in a pasture fence.
Upon arrival, a deputy found a black and white horse with his/her front legs entangled within the fencing on the north side of the property.
The sheriff's office said the horse was so emaciated that it was evident he/she had been struggling to stand for quite some time.
With the assistance of a neighbor, deputies eventually were able to free the horse and due to obvious injuries, a vet was called in. The poor horse had no strength and could no longer stand. Sadly, he/she was euthanized.
In the meantime, deputies tried to make contact with ADKINS, the property owner, and while on site, they discovered seven deceased horses “with varying degrees of decay”, stated the press release by the sheriff’s office.
Four of the seven horses were found inside a barn among other living horses, while the other three were found in a pasture area behind the barn.
As the deputies continued to investigate, they noticed that the live animals on the property, including horses and goats, had no access to food or water.
Deputies did not find any grain or hay and “all viable water sources were frozen solid.”
Eleven horses and two goats were rescued from the property. According to the press release, they were all severely malnourished and emaciated.
ADKINS was arrested and charged with eighteen (18) counts of cruelty to animals and three (3) counts of failure to register a canine. Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles said more charges are possible after a veterinarian evaluates the rescued animals who were taken in by the Diamond M Veterinary Clinic and the Wyandot County Humane Society.
I reached out to Mr. David Balz, Director of Wyandot County Humane Society, to inquire about the rescued Voiceless Victims.
He tells me that none of them were euthanized and that all the horses and the goats are doing well. Mr. Balz explained: “All animals were examined by our 2 staff veterinarians and found to be in various poor body scores. (1-3)They did have fairly good winter coats, but all are heavily parasitized. They are all undergoing parasite treatment, will have their teeth checked and floated this week. Vaccines will be given while under anesthesia for dentals. Farrier is scheduled the following week.”
To my question regarding the cause of death of the horses, Mr. Balz answered: “My understanding is they all were dead of starvation or were in such a state of advanced decomposition that it could not be determined.”
I requested additional information about the horse who was euthanized, including name, and sex however these details were not known.
Mr. Balz also said that he will send me pictures of the rescued Voiceless Victims and added that “…around 20 years ago we seized many assorted animals from this same perpetrator at the same location.”
Sheriff Bayles said: “The conditions that these poor animals were living in was deplorable. We will always work tirelessly to protect those who cannot protect themselves and bring those to justice that choose to treat other living creatures with such incredible disregard for their welfare.”
Law enforcement agencies may work tirelessly to protect those who cannot protect themselves, but lawmakers and judges remain the stumbling block! ADKINS is out free when his old cruel behind should have been kept in a cell with no food or water!
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
ADKINS’ mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Multi-County Correctional Center
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