Tuesday, October 20, 2020 – A Grove City couple has been convicted of 17 counts of animal cruelty after Columbus Humane agents seized 247 animals from two properties the couple owned citing unsanitary, dangerous conditions in 2019.
Douglas and Britny DeVaul were charged in 2019, after Columbus Humane agents, Franklin County Sheriff's deputies, Columbus Police, and other authorities executed search warrants at The Petting Zoo Pet Shop (formally known as Grove City Reptiles) located on West Broad Street and the couple's Jackson Township home on August. 13, 2019.
The jury convicted both Douglas and Britny on 17 out of 20 counts of animal cruelty, each is a misdemeanor of the second degree. At the conclusion of the trial, Judge Stephanie Mingo also ordered that the five bonded animals be returned to the DeVaul’s. Those animals include two cats and three dogs.
“Clearly our staff and volunteers are devastated to see these dogs and cats be returned to the DeVaul’s after 14 months in our loving care. We are trying not to let our grieving overshadow a major victory,” said Rachel D.K. Finney, CEO. “We are grateful for a supportive partnership with Columbus City Prosecutors and our dedicated staff who made this conviction possible.”
Sentencing is scheduled for January 5, 2021. “We are hopeful that Judge Mingo will come through with strong penalties at sentencing and send a message that animal cruelty has no place in our community,” said Finney. “We aren’t likely to see the DeVauls get a ban on animal ownership, but we’d really like the Judge to set limits on the number of animals they can own, as well as a full ban on breeding and brokering.”
Of the 247 animals seized in August of 2019, 88 of them went to new homes through the Columbus Humane adoption program and 56 went to rescue partners. Sadly, 8 animals were so sick they did not survive. Several livestock and reptiles still remain in custody and their cases are pending.
"We need strong laws and committed neighbors to protect animals, especially when it comes to puppy brokering," said Kerry Manion, Chief Humane Agent.
Outcome provided after January 5, 2021 sentencing.
