More serious charge filed against Warren man after death of dog found in distress

Baby and Thomas Leimkuehler

Authorities have filed a more serious charge against a Warren man after a dog found in distressed condition over the weekend died.

According to Warren Municipal Court records, Thomas R. Leimkuehler, 43, of Warren, pleaded "not guilty" to one count of violating prohibitions concerning companion animals, a fifth-degree felony. The court dismissed a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty.

As part of the conditions of his bond, Leimkuehler is prohibited from possessing any animals.  Another court hearing is scheduled for June 12.

Leimkuehler was booked into the Trumbull County Jail Monday and then released pending his hearing in Warren Municipal Court.

The charge stems from the discovery of a dog in a distressed state Saturday at a home on Oak Knoll Avenue. The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, a local animal welfare organization, reported on Facebook that Trumbull County 911 Dispatch contacted them about the dog, which was found chained in a basement.

The organization described the dog, later named "Baby," as nearly unresponsive and located at the bottom of the basement steps. According to the social media post, the dog was emaciated, dehydrated, and suffering from a ruptured abdominal mass. A strong odor of decay and infection was also noted in the area.

Healthy Hearts and Paws Project transported the dog to a veterinary service in Salem for emergency care. Despite treatment, the organization later reported that the dog had died, stating that euthanasia was necessary due to the severity of its condition.

"I think that as more information came about concerning the circumstances surrounding Baby's neglect and acts of cruelty allegedly perpetrated by the defendant, and her subsequent passing, the prosecutor charged appropriately,” said Jason Cooke, Founder, President, CEO at The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project. “Trumbull County is blessed to have judges, prosecutors, law enforcement and humane agents that care so deeply for the welfare of our animals."

The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project is asking for donations to support their efforts in assisting animals in need. The post provided several methods for contributing, including direct donations through Venmo (@HealthyHeartsPaws), PayPal (donations@healthyheartsproject.org), CashApp ($HealthyHeartsPaws), credit or debit card via phone (234.855.5847), and checks mailed to or dropped off at their Warren location on Martin Luther King Blvd.

The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project describes its mission as promoting animal welfare through education and providing care for medically needy dogs and cats.