26 dogs confiscated in alleged cruelty case

Several dogs were confiscated from a home in Napoleon in early March. "They were in such a state that in order to keep them safe we felt we had to seize them," says Dr. Fedderke from the Napoleon Veterinary Clinic.

Jim Wilson, Lisa Wilson, and John Wilson are each charged with three counts of animal cruelty. Today in court, they all pleaded not guilty through paperwork filed by their attorney.

There were 26 dogs living inside the home. Dr. Fedderke says, "There were greyhounds, Great Danes, labs, chihuahuas and mixes on the property."

Dr. Fedderke treated the dogs. She says some were emaciated and dehydrated. "They had lower than five percent body fat and they were 10-12 percent dehydrated. They had no energy to stand for any period of time," she says.

Dr. Fedderke and the Humane Society staff say the dogs have made incredible progress in a matter of days. She says, "Just spending five days in the shelter with good nutrition and re-hydration, their personalities have greatly improved."

It's been a difficult experience for the vets and the Humane Society workers involved with the case. Stacy Bressler, the executive director for the Henry County Humane Society, says, "We spent the entire day out there and by the time I got home I felt like the life had been sucked out of me. It's emotionally draining."

Dr. Fedderke says, "I have been in the county for 15 years and there are not a lot of cruelty cases in Henry County. So when I was called in, it was devastating. I was not used to seeing dogs in that condition and this many of them."

The case has meant extra work at the Humane Society, but they wouldn't have it any other way. "We run with a limited staff and on a limited budget and everybody is being taxed. I have asked my staff to work harder than they usually do. There's been a lot of extra care involved," says Dr. Fedderke.

If the Wilsons are found guilty, the dogs will be up for adoption. If you'd like to help the Henry County Humane Society with donations of food or money or volunteer your time, visit www.hchs.petfinder.org

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.