Warren man set for Wednesday plea hearing in animal cruelty case
The animal welfare organization The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project stated that the dog, which they named "Baby," was discovered in poor condition and was later euthanized because of severe health issues.
WARREN, Ohio - A plea hearing is scheduled this afternoon for a Warren man accused of felony animal cruelty following the death of a dog last year.
Thomas Leimkuehler, 44, is set to appear before Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice at 1 p.m. in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court. Court records show that a jury trial previously scheduled for Thursday morning has been canceled.
Leimkuehler faces a fifth-degree felony charge of cruelty to a companion animal. The charge stems from an incident recorded on May 10, 2025.
Police initially charged Leimkuehler after authorities found a dog inside a residence on Oak Knoll Avenue. The animal welfare organization The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project stated that the dog, which they named "Baby," was discovered in poor condition and was later euthanized because of severe health issues.
Leimkuehler entered a not guilty plea to the charge in August 2025 and was released after posting a $1,000 bond. As a condition of his bond, the court ordered that he cannot possess any animals.
