On July 29, 2026, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence on Highway 179-A to conduct a welfare check on John Hoover.
Upon arrival, deputies observed a deceased dog lying on the front porch and several other dogs on the property that appeared to be in poor health and neglected. Deputies attempted to make contact with Hoover; however, he refused to come outside and would only communicate with his sister by telephone.
An Animal Control Investigator responded to the scene and obtained an arrest warrant for Animal Cruelty as well as a search warrant for the residence.
When deputies returned to execute the warrants, Hoover attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended.
A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Hoover was arrested and charged with Animal Cruelty, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting an Officer Without Violence.
The surviving dogs that deputies and Animal Control were able to safely capture were removed from the property and transported to the animal shelter for evaluation and care.
