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ST. CLAIRSVILLE– Paula Metzler, 55, and Kristi Metzler, 30, of 100 Fair Ave., Quaker City were arraigned Thursday afternoon and each pleaded innocent to six fifth-degree felony counts of causing serious physical harm to companion animals, one first-degree misdemeanor count of child endangerment and 13 second-degree misdemeanor charges of animal abuse.
A preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday afternoon before Belmont County Western Division Judge Eric Costine. Their bonds were reduced to $5,000 each. They are to have no contact with animals or the individual involved in the alleged child-endangering case, Paula Metzler's 19-year-old daughter. The prosecutor's office indicated it will likely seek a grand jury indictment.
The court gave care of the 12 living animals taken from the Metzler residence to the Belmont County Hoof & Paw humane agency. The Metzlers will pay for the care of the animals. Multiple animals were reportedly found dead at the home. Hoof & Paw described the living conditions as "deplorable."