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Rogers woman sues over dogs taken from home

LISBON — A Rogers woman who lost 10 of her 12 Chihuahuas when they were seized by the county dog warden has filed a civil lawsuit in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.

Christine Grace, Farr Street, Rogers, is claiming she was intimidated by Heidi Pecorelli, the county dog warden, into relinquishing ownership of 10 of her “beloved dogs” in April 2017. The lawsuit further claims infliction of emotional distress, illegal entry without a warrant or probable cause and violations of Grace’s civil rights.

Pecorelli reportedly visited Grace’s home after allegations were made that the home was unsuitable for the animals and the care of the animals was inadequate, according to the lawsuit.

While Grace was never cited criminally involving her animals, Pecorelli placed an “Important Notice” on her door on April 18, 2017 alerting Grace an anonymous complaint had been made. The notice requested Grace call the dog warden at a number provided within 24 hours.

According to the lawsuit, Grace called within 90 minutes of the notice being placed and made multiple attempts, but never reached the dog warden. However, Grace did reach deputy dog warden Amy Dowd the next morning, April 19. Dowd asked to visit the property and arrangements were made.

At about noon on April 19, the lawsuit states both Pecorelli and Dowd went to the home indicating they were there for a welfare check on the dogs. Pecorelli asked to be allowed inside, but did not have a search warrant. The dogs were outside in the yard and plainly visible, according to Grace.

Although Grace denied the request to enter, Pecorelli also sought permission from Grace’s husband, who eventually relented after alleged threats were made. Pecorelli then reportedly declared the home insufficiently clean and announced all 12 of the Chihuahuas would be seized.

The lawsuit claims Pecorelli also made comments that the basis of the seizure was the number of the dogs was impermissible and she was not allowed to own so many.

Pecorelli reportedly turned on the air conditioning in her vehicle to haul the dogs and called the sheriff’s office. When the deputy arrived, Pecorelli allegedly told them she was concerned Grace was suicidal.

Amid protests by Grace, eventually Pecorelli allowed her to keep two of the 12 dogs. Grace and her husband were led to believe they would be allowed to have all of the seized dogs returned if the home was cleaned to Pecorelli’s satisfaction. However, before leaving Pecorelli reportedly compelled the Graces into signing a documents entitled “Owner Relinquishment Form,” threatening there would be court proceedings if they did not and if it went to court she would “never, ever own dogs again.”

“Too many dogs — hoarding can keep two” was the reason given for relinquishment on the form, which was one of the exhibits filed in the lawsuit.

While the animals barked and cried inside her vehicle, the lawsuit claims, Pecorelli socialized with the responding deputies. Grace then reportedly asked them to leave.

The lawsuit, filed by Alliance attorney Jeffrey Jakmides, seeks in excess of $25,000 for damages.

djohnson@mojonews.com

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