Woman cited for deplorable home conditions, 28 dogs taken from residence

YOUNGSTOWN — Police cited a South Side woman for several housing code violations after finding 28 dogs in her home living in deplorable conditions.

Police cited Dorita Walker, 55, of West Warren Avenue for having obnoxious odors in her home and not meeting the responsibilities of an occupant. She is free on her own recognizance and due back in court next month.

City police along with representatives of the Mahoning County Dog Warden’s office and Animal Charity went to the West Warren Avenue home at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a complaint about the house.

According to reports, the home had water-damaged broken ceilings, dog cages filled with feces, missing drywall, several boarded-up windows, and broken steps.

Officials said nine of the dogs had to be destroyed. Animal welfare groups are working to find homes for the rest of the dogs.