Judge Bars Ross Rutschilling From Having Animals as Six Charges Move Forward
ASHLAND, Ohio — Ross C. Rutschilling pleaded not guilty Tuesday to six misdemeanor charges tied to alleged conduct involving animals at a Loudonville-area dog breeding facility. Judge John L. Good released him on a recognizance bond but ordered him not to possess or control any animal while the cases are pending.
Five complaints allege that Rutschilling knowingly organized, promoted, aided or abetted acts involving sexual conduct with an animal at 362 Ashland County Road 2575. The alleged dates are Sept. 12 and Dec. 27, 2025, and Feb. 7, Feb. 27 and March 7, 2026. A sixth charge alleges attempted cruelty to a companion animal during the period from Sept. 12, 2025, through March 7, 2026.
Ashland County Deputy Sheriff Curtis Hall filed the complaints. Each charge is a second-degree misdemeanor. The allegations have not been proven in court.
The address is associated with Happy Mountain K9 Facilities, the Loudonville-area breeding operation owned by Daniel A. Miller. Miller faces separate charges following an investigation that led to the removal of dogs and puppies from the property. His case is also scheduled for an Oct. 13 hearing.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Good said Rutschilling had appeared in response to a summons and had not been arrested. The judge found no reason to believe he was a flight risk and set a recognizance bond, which does not require an upfront cash payment. He granted the prosecution’s request for a condition barring Rutschilling from possessing, keeping, harboring or controlling animals, including pets, livestock, birds and fish.
Rutschilling told the judge that he lives with family members who own cats. Good said the cats would have to be out of Rutschilling’s possession by the end of the day and warned that a violation could result in his bond being revoked.
Special prosecutor Jeffrey Holland of Holland & Muirden Law Offices in Akron told Ashland County Pictures after the hearing that he was pleased with the bond condition.
“The allegations are of great concern,” Holland said. “The animals can’t speak for themselves. So it’s important that we, as a society, stand up for their well-being.”
Good set Rutschilling’s pretrial hearing for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13. Rutschilling told the court he intends to hire an attorney.
