By Staff Report
According to the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), on Wednesday, July 29, deputies responded to a residence on Highway 179‑A to conduct a welfare check on John Hoover, which led to animal cruelty and drug charges.
Upon arrival, deputies observed a deceased dog lying on the front porch and several other dogs on the property that appeared to be in poor health and neglected. Deputies attempted to make contact with Hoover, but he refused to come outside and would only communicate with his sister by telephone.
An Animal Control investigator responded to the scene and obtained an arrest warrant for animal cruelty, along with a search warrant for the residence. When deputies returned to execute the warrants, Hoover attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended.
A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
A search of the home resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Hoover was arrested and charged with Animal Cruelty, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting an Officer Without Violence.
The surviving dogs that deputies and Animal Control were able to safely capture were removed from the property and transported to the animal shelter for evaluation and care.
AMBER PATINO 