Lion, other exotics taken from Ohio farm after deaths

Saturday, July 21, 2007

SANDY TWP. A group of exotic animals were taken from a farm in the 6600 block of Mottice Drive SE as authorities reportedly investigate health conditions at the facility.

When contacted, Magnolia Police Department did not provide information regarding their investigation. But one of the operators of Stump Hill Farm in Perry Township confirmed that she took in some animals from the Sandy Township farm.

“I took them in a couple days ago at the request of the owner,” said Cyndi Huntsman of Stump Hill, another exotic animal farm in Perry Township. “The owner called me and said someone had poisoned her bears. I went down and brought home a goat, a lion, three pug dogs, two poodles and two peacocks.”

Magnolia police patrol Sandy Township through a contract with township trustees. Reportedly, there is concern about conditions of the farm after two bear cubs died there recently.

“The prosecutor’s office called me and told me I could not return the animals until the court case they were proceeding with was settled,” Huntsman said. “They thought she was responsible for the death of her baby bears.”

If animal cruelty charges are filed, they likely would go through Canton Municipal Court. Prosecutors from the Canton Law Department likely would bring any criminal charge.

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