Authorities: Pets found in waste-filled Ohio home

SOLON, Ohio (AP) — Authorities here have charged a couple suspected of going out-of-town and leaving behind 33 cats and dogs in a closed-up home where overpowering pet waste accumulated.

Thirty-nine animal abuse counts each were filed Tuesday against podiatrist Steven Friedman and his wife, Heidi Friedman. They live iin this suburban Cleveland city.

The Friedmans, who have teenage daughters, also were charged with two counts of child endangering.

Crews needed respirators last week to enter the house, which was declared uninhabitable. The family was tracked down and agreed to have the flea-infested pets euthanized.

A message was left today at a phone listing for the vacated address. Court records do not reflect an attorney representing the couple.