Animal-rights activists attend Boardman court hearing

BOARDMAN — As Debbie and Dustin Dellick, both of Boardman, stood before a judge in Mahoning County Area Court here this morning, a crowd there to protest their alleged actions sat in the courtroom.

Debbie, 59, and Dustin, 29, each are charged with two counts of animal cruelty after an incident in May in which township police found a dog in extremely poor health at their Crestline Place residence. 

Both pleaded not guilty. A judge set a recognizance bond of $1,500 for each of them. 

A group of protesters gathered outside the courthouse on Market Street before the court appearance. The group said they were there to fight for justice for Bella, the dog who now is in the custody of Animal Charity.

"These people need to be made accountable," said animal-rights activist Jason Cooke of Boardman. "Animals deserve justice. They're victims just like anybody else."

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com