Court Complaints Detail 10 New Charges Against Loudonville Dog Breeder
Six dogs are identified by name in allegations involving cruelty, deprivation of sustenance, criminal tools and intended sexual conduct
LOUDONVILLE, Ohio — Newly filed criminal complaints provide additional details about the 10 charges filed against Loudonville-area dog breeder Daniel A. Miller, who was arrested again Tuesday morning.
The complaints allege that the offenses occurred between Feb. 1 and Aug. 27, 2026, at Miller’s property at 362 Ashland County Road 2575.
Miller, 64, now faces 12 pending misdemeanor charges when the new cases are combined with the falsification and obstructing-official-business charges filed following his Aug. 27 arrest.
Each new complaint was signed by Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Curtis Hall and filed in Ashland Municipal Court on Sept. 8.
Complaints Identify Six Dogs by Name
Several of the new charges identify individual dogs allegedly involved in the case.
The dogs named in the complaints are:
Tiana, identified as “Puppy 2”
Merida, identified as “Puppy 3”
Bella, identified as “Puppy 4”
Jane
Hazel
Hiro
Other counts refer more broadly to one or more of the 72 dogs removed from Miller’s property.
Counts One and Two Involve Multiple Dogs
Count One alleges that Miller, as the custodian or caretaker of one or more of the 72 dogs, negligently tortured, tormented or committed an act of cruelty against a companion animal.
That charge was filed under Ohio Revised Code 959.131(D)(1) as a second-degree misdemeanor.
Count Two alleges that Miller, as an owner, manager or employee of a dog kennel, negligently deprived one or more of the 72 dogs of necessary sustenance or confined them without sufficient quantities of wholesome food and water.
The complaint alleges the conditions were such that the animals could reasonably have been expected to become sick or suffer.
That charge was filed under Ohio Revised Code 959.131(G)(2) as a first-degree misdemeanor.
Five Dogs Named in Separate Cruelty Counts
Counts Three through Seven each charge Miller with cruelty to a companion animal under Ohio Revised Code 959.131(G)(1).
The complaints allege Miller negligently tortured, tormented or committed an act of cruelty against the following dogs:
Count Three: Tiana, also identified as Puppy 2
Count Four: Merida, also identified as Puppy 3
Count Five: Bella, also identified as Puppy 4
Count Six: Jane
Count Seven: Hazel
Each charge is a first-degree misdemeanor.
The final three complaints identify a dog named Hiro.
Count Eight charges Miller with possessing criminal tools. The complaint alleges Miller possessed or controlled Hiro “with purpose to use it criminally.”
The complaint identifies the dog itself as the alleged criminal tool. The charge was filed under Ohio Revised Code 2923.24(A) as a first-degree misdemeanor.
Count Nine alleges Miller knowingly engaged in sexual conduct with an animal or knowingly possessed, sold or purchased an animal with the intent that it be subjected to sexual conduct. The animal identified in the complaint is Hiro.
That wording presents alternative conduct prohibited under Ohio law. The complaint does not specify which alternative prosecutors intend to prove or provide additional factual details about the allegation.
The charge was filed under Ohio Revised Code 959.21(B) as a second-degree misdemeanor.
Count Ten alleges Miller knowingly tortured, tormented, needlessly mutilated or maimed, cruelly beat, poisoned, needlessly killed or committed an act of cruelty against Hiro.
That complaint similarly lists the range of conduct prohibited by the statute but does not identify the specific act Miller allegedly committed.
Count Ten was filed under Ohio Revised Code 959.131(B) as a first-degree misdemeanor.
Earlier Charges Remain Pending
Miller also continues to face two charges connected to the Aug. 27 investigation:
Falsification to mislead a public official, a first-degree misdemeanor.
Obstructing official business, a second-degree misdemeanor.
Those charges were filed after representatives from the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Department of Agriculture visited Miller’s large-volume dog breeding operation.
Miller is represented by Wooster attorney Patrick L. Brown in the earlier cases.
Humane Society of Ashland County Director Tiffany Meyer previously said the organization helped remove 50 adult dogs and 22 puppies from the property.
One of the rescued dogs later gave birth to 13 additional puppies while in the Humane Society’s care.
Video released by the Sheriff’s Office showed investigators alleging that dogs had been concealed in wooded and overgrown areas during the inspection. Officials also questioned Miller about a black poodle and discussed comparing the animals found at the property with his records.
Miller previously denied intentionally hiding dogs or lying to authorities. He alleged in a Facebook statement that investigators pressured him into surrendering the animals.
The property has previously been associated with Happy Mountain K9 Facilities, Happy Mountain Canine Facilities and Puppys R Us.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Miller is scheduled to appear tomorrow at 8 a.m. before Judge John L. Good in Ashland Municipal Court, 1209 E. Main St. in Ashland.
The complaints contain allegations and do not establish that Miller committed the offenses. All 12 charges remain pending, and Miller is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
