CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that a Cuyahoga County grand jury has returned an indictment charging Barbara Wible, 68, for severely neglecting 36 dogs at her Parma residence resulting in 13 dogs’ deaths.

“This woman operated to the public under the guise of helping dogs in need of a home, and then caused the death of 13 dogs and severely harmed 23 dogs in our county alone. I hope this truly horrific case does not deter people from adopting dogs from reputable rescue organizations. If you have any concerns about animal mistreatment or abuse, you can report them to your local animal control officers and/or police department.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

Barbara Wible is the president and co-founder for a dog rescue organization called Canine Lifeline. She housed rescue dogs in her two residences in Cuyahoga and Portage County.

On June 2, 2023, the Parma Police Department along with the Parma Fire Department responded to a welfare check at a residence near West 54th Street and West Ridgewood Drive in Parma. When officers arrived, there was a strong odor coming from the residence and numerous dog cages and feces were found inside the garage. Officers observed approximately four to five dogs, who appeared deceased, through the window.

Further investigation revealed a total of 36 dogs, which appeared to be malnourished, were locked in cages inside the residence for an extended period of time. Their cages were too small and contained their own feces. All 36 dogs found were without food or water, some dogs had not been fed since March. Out of the 36 dogs found, 12 were pronounced deceased on scene, three were transferred to a local emergency veterinary clinic — one had to be euthanized, and 21 dogs were transferred to a local animal shelter.

Additionally, on June 16, 146 dogs were found deceased at Barbara Wible’s Mantua Township residence in Portage County. All questions regarding this matter will need to be directed to the Portage Animal Protection League.

On June 28, 2023, Barbara Wible was indicted on the following charges:

  • 36 counts of Cruelty to Animals (felony of the fifth degree)

She will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date.