Case Snapshot
Case ID: 352
Classification: Mutilation/Torture, Beating
Animal: cat
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Saturday, Feb 6, 1999

County: Franklin

Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Shon M. Rahrig

Case Updates: 4 update(s) available

Shon adopted a cat from Citizens for Humane Action (C.H.A.) on January 26, 1999. In the early morning hours of February 6, Shon beat the cat, poked out its eye, broke its jaw legs, and left it bloody and in agony in a laundry basket in his apartment. He asked Melissa to come over and get it and take it to Delaware County Humane Society and tell them she found it along the road. She instead took it to Columbus Veterinary Emergency Service (CVES) who humanely euthanized it due to the extensive nature of its injuries.

Shon Rahrig, about 30 years old, of Sandbury Blvd, allegedly adopted 6 or 7 cats and a puppy from various local shelters and allegedly abused them horribly, broke their limbs, put their eyes out, etc. The alleged abuse became known when his girlfriend took one of the victims to a vet to be euthanized. In court he "copped a plea" to avoid the nasty publicity of a jury trial, and confessed to torturing one black and white cat, Misty, adopted from Citizens for Humane Action. Under the current statutes the most severe penalty for this man, if convicted, would be 90 days in jail and/or a fine of $750.

Melissa contacted C.H.A. and advised them what had happened. C.H.A. transported the body from CVES to Capital Area Humane Society and filed an abuse report. Shon was subsequently arraigned and charged with one count of animal abuse. Shon at first plead not guilty, but changed his plea to guilty. On September 29,1999, Judge Pfeiffer sentenced Shon to 90 days in jail (of which 45 were suspended), 5 years probation, mandatory counseling and he was forbidden from owning any living thing during the 5 year probation period. He began serving his sentence on November 1.


Case Updates

It has been confirmed that as of May 2006, Rahrig now resides in Long Beach, CA.
Update posted on May 22, 2006 - 3:02AM 
In Sept. 2002, Rahrig moved into 23560 Walden Center Dr, Apt 103, Bonita Springs FL. In October 2002, Animal Control Officers paid him a "welcome to the neighborhood visit" letting him know they were aware of the Ohio case. Late Nov/early Dec 2002, Rahrig moved out of the apartment leaving all of his furniture and personal belongs in it. The manager of the complex said he moved to California but did not know the city. On January 24, 2006, Animal Control Officers confirmed this information with a visit to the place he last lived and spoke with the managers.
Source: Lee County Animal Services
Update posted on Jan 24, 2006 - 12:06PM 
It has been confirmed that Shon has relocated to the Fort Myers, Florida area. Local shelters are encouraged to spread the word.
Update posted on Dec 30, 2002 - 1:31PM 
Reported to have moved to Long Beach, CA area where he was spotted at an adoption event.
Update posted on May 17, 2002 - 12:00AM 

References

  • « OH State Animal Cruelty Map
    « More cases in Franklin County, OH

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