Guilty! Bucyrus Man Sentenced to Jail for Animal Cruelty

A Bucyrus man has been sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to multiple counts of animal cruelty, underscoring both the seriousness of neglect cases and the importance of enforcement when animals are harmed.

On January 3, 2026, Dustin Allen Meyers, 38, pleaded guilty to nine counts of animal cruelty in Crawford County Municipal Court. According to court records, the charges stemmed from animals in Meyers’ care who were not being properly fed. While some animals had been turned over to the local humane society prior to his arrest, others remained neglected.

Judge Shane Leuthold sentenced Meyers to 120 days in jail following his guilty plea. Each charge carried a possible sentence of up to 90 days.

Animal cruelty cases like this one are often rooted in prolonged neglect—situations that may escalate over time if warning signs go unaddressed. Ohio law recognizes failure to provide adequate food and care as a serious offense, and accountability through the courts is a critical tool for preventing further harm.

At the same time, enforcement alone is not enough. Preventing cruelty requires strong laws, adequate resources for humane societies and animal control agencies, and a public willing to speak up when animals are at risk.

Take Action: Help Strengthen Protections for Animals

Cases of neglect remind us why animal protection laws matter—and why they must be enforced and improved.

Your voice as a constituent is powerful. Ohio Animal Advocates’ Action Alerts highlight current legislation affecting animals and provide simple steps you can take, including sample messages to lawmakers.

Source: Crawford County