Former “Our Farm Sanctuary” Director Sentenced for Animal Cruelty, Faces New Allegations
On October 24, 2024, Sophia Kartsonis, the former director of Our Farm Sanctuary in Tipp City, Ohio, was sentenced in Miami County Municipal Court on six counts of cruelty to companion animals. Judge Anthony E. Kendell found Kartsonis guilty of depriving animals of necessary sustenance and committing acts of cruelty — both classified as second-degree misdemeanors. Kartsonis was sentenced to 90 days in jail, fined $200, and placed on five years of probation for each count. Importantly, she was also issued a lifetime ban prohibiting her from owning or caring for animals.
Despite these penalties, recent reports allege that Kartsonis has already violated the court’s order and has been arrested again for having animals in her possession. (This information is based on initial reports and has not yet been officially confirmed.)
The charges stemmed from a July 2024 investigation, when Miami County Animal Shelter officers, with assistance from the Miami County Sheriff's Office, executed a search warrant at Our Farm Sanctuary. They found over 100 cats, many suffering from severe upper respiratory infections and housed in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Forty-three cats were removed during the initial seizure.
Six specific cats, confined to a cottage and entirely dependent on Kartsonis for care, were at the center of the criminal charges. Investigators cited long-term neglect as the primary cause of the suffering.
While many cases of animal cruelty involving this scale of neglect could qualify for felony charges, Kartsonis was ultimately charged only with misdemeanors — a decision that has sparked frustration among animal welfare advocates.
As some have pointed out, the label of "sanctuary" often serves as a cover for hoarding situations. This case tragically demonstrates how unchecked operations, even those with originally good intentions, can become harmful and exploit vulnerable animals. Despite the charges and sentencing, Our Farm Sanctuary is reportedly still operating.
Adding to public concern, Kartsonis is not only the former director of the sanctuary but also holds a Ph.D. and serves as an instructor at Columbus College of Art & Design.
Animal Shelter Director Robert Craft noted in a July press release:
"Even with the best intentions, many times rescues find themselves in a position where they are overwhelmed and unable to provide quality care for their animals, and in this case after multiple attempts to work with Our Farm Sanctuary, we had no choice but to execute the search warrant and take legal action to protect the animals in their care."
This case stands as a reminder of the critical importance of oversight, transparency, and accountability in animal rescue operations.
Source Miami Valley Today
