Marion Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty After Dog Shot in the Face with BB Gun
A disturbing case of animal cruelty in Marion County has led to the arrest of a local resident and the seizure of multiple animals from a home on Universal Avenue. The incident underscores the importance of strong cruelty laws, swift reporting, and coordinated law enforcement response when an animal is in danger.
Injured Dog Found with Severe Facial Wound
On July 28, Dog Warden and Humane Agent Scott Mills responded to a report of an injured dog in the 600 block of Universal Avenue. When the dog was transported to a veterinary clinic, X-rays revealed the cause of its injuries: the dog had been shot in the face with a BB gun, causing significant trauma and severe damage to its right eye.
The extent of the injury prompted an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Search Warrant Uncovers Additional Animals
Working alongside detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Dog Warden’s Office, and the Marion Area Humane Society, Mills executed a search warrant at the residence on July 30.
Authorities seized:
3 additional dogs
10 cats
3 BB guns
All seized animals were removed from the property for their safety and are currently being sheltered while the case proceeds through the court system.
Criminal Charges Filed
Justin Andrick Jr. has been arrested and charged with Prohibitions Concerning Companion Animals, a fifth-degree felony under Ohio law.
Two additional individuals — Cassidy Andrick and Chandler Oquin — are also facing charges related to the care and condition of the remaining animals.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to gather evidence.
Law Enforcement Commended for Collaborative Response
Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles commended the work of all agencies involved, noting the importance of teamwork between humane agents, dog wardens, deputies, and local animal welfare organizations.
Their swift response likely prevented additional suffering for the animals still on the property.
Why This Case Matters
Intentional acts of cruelty — like shooting an animal in the face — are among the strongest indicators of future violence, both toward animals and humans. Quick reporting made it possible to intervene, protect the surviving animals, and ensure that charges could be filed.
But this case also highlights the ongoing need for:
Stronger penalties for serious cruelty and neglect
Clearer legal pathways to remove animals from dangerous homes
More resources for rural and small-county humane agents
Public education about reporting suspected cruelty
Ohio has made progress in strengthening its cruelty statutes, but cases like this show there is still more work to do to protect vulnerable animals.
Take Action for Ohio’s Animals
If you believe animals deserve stronger protections, your voice can make a difference. Support legislation that increases penalties for cruelty and keeps convicted abusers from owning pets again.
Ohio Senate Bill 64 would increase penalties for companion animal cruelty, strengthen Goddard’s Law, and prohibit convicted felony animal abusers from owning pets under certain circumstances. This legislation is a critical step toward preventing the kind of suffering seen in Bucyrus and ensuring prosecutors have meaningful tools to hold abusers accountable.
You can voice your support of increased penalities for animal cruelty (S.B. 64) by using our Action Alerts. Use the template letter to contact your state Senator right now.
Your voice matters. When Ohioans speak up, lawmakers listen, and stronger laws can save lives.
Source: Crawford County Now
