Second suspect charged after neglected dog found in Warren home

Baby

A second person has been charged in connection with an animal cruelty case in Warren after a dog found in distress over the weekend had to be euthanized.

According to Warren Municipal Court records, Stephanie J. Swegan, 53, of Warren, was charged Friday with prohibitions concerning companion animals, a fifth-degree felony.

The charge follows the arraignment earlier this week of Thomas R. Leimkuehler, 43, also of Warren, on the same felony charge. Leimkuehler had initially faced a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge, which was dismissed. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bond on condition that he does not possess any animals.

Baby and Thomas Leimkuehler  

The charges stem from the discovery Saturday of a dog in severe distress at a home on Oak Knoll Avenue SE. The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, a local animal welfare organization, reported on social media that the dog, later named "Baby," was found chained in a basement, nearly unresponsive at the bottom of the steps.

The organization described Baby as emaciated, dehydrated, and suffering from a ruptured abdominal mass. They also noted a strong odor of decay and infection. Baby was transported for emergency veterinary care but later died, with euthanasia deemed necessary due to the severity of its condition.

Swegan and Leimkuehler both live at the home where the dog was found.

Jason Cooke, founder, president, and CEO of The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, previously stated that the upgraded felony charge against Leimkuehler was appropriate given the circumstances of the dog's neglect and death.

The court has issued a warrant for Swegan’s arrest.

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.