A grim discovery unfolded last week in Mantua, Ohio, where the remains of 146 dogs were found inside the home of an animal rescue worker. The Portage Animal Protective League’s Humane Investigations Department confirmed the tragic finding, which came to light during a welfare check on Barbara Wible, co-founder of the non-profit Canine Lifeline.
Wible was facing an animal cruelty charge in a separate case when authorities responded to her residence following her collapse on June 2nd. This incident prompted investigations into potential animal neglect at both her Mantua home and another property in Parma. While thankfully some surviving dogs were found at the Parma location and transferred to the Parma Animal Shelter, the scene at the Mantua house was devastating, with numerous deceased animals in various states of decomposition, many still confined to their crates.
Canine Lifeline expressed profound shock and grief over the horrific revelation, emphasizing their cooperation with authorities. They described Wible as a private individual seemingly dedicated to animal rescue, a perception now shattered by the grim reality. Volunteers and those who adopted dogs through the organization are grappling with feelings of betrayal and sadness in the wake of this discovery. Neighbors reported that humane workers had removed dogs from Wible's Mantua residence last year.
Necropsies will be conducted to ascertain the dogs' cause of death. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with relevant information is urged to contact humane agent Holly Ebner at [email protected]. Canine Lifeline is encouraging donations to the Parma Animal Shelter.
