Ashland County Woman Indicted, Arrested Under Goddard’s Law for Felony Animal Cruelty
ASHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — An Ashland County woman has been indicted and arrested on a felony animal cruelty charge following an investigation by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, with prosecutors charging the case under Goddard’s Law, Ohio’s strengthened companion animal protection statute.
Diane Carol Donahue, 65, from Sullivan, Ohio, was indicted by the Ashland County Grand Jury on one count of Cruelty to Companion Animals, a felony of the fifth degree. The indictment alleges that on or about October 4, 2025, Donahue knowingly caused serious physical harm to a companion animal, in violation of Ohio Revised Code 959.131.
According to investigators, Donahue suffocated her dog after the animal had reportedly bitten her grandson. Deputies later recovered the dog after it was buried. Donahue was taken into custody following the return of the grand jury indictment.
Goddard’s Law Explained
The charge falls under Goddard’s Law, Ohio’s companion animal cruelty statute enacted to strengthen penalties for abuse and neglect involving dogs and cats. Under the law, knowingly causing serious physical harm, torturing, or severely neglecting a companion animal is classified as a fifth-degree felony.
Goddard’s Law also prohibits depriving companion animals of necessary sustenance, food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. The statute applies specifically to dogs and cats, with limited exceptions for lawful veterinary practices, hunting activities, agricultural operations, and approved scientific research.
Court Proceedings
Donahue appeared in Ashland County Common Pleas Court for arraignment and bond setting after the indictment was issued on February 13, 2026. She was represented by attorney Jonathan Spalding, while the state was represented by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney James Reese.
At the hearing, Donahue waived a reading of the indictment, acknowledged receipt of the charging document, and entered a not guilty plea. The court accepted the plea and scheduled:
Jury trial: May 12, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.
Status conference: April 10, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Both parties jointly recommended bond be set at $7,500 with 10% required, citing Donahue’s lack of a significant criminal history. Prosecutors confirmed she had no notable criminal record aside from a misdemeanor matter dating back to 2009. The court approved the agreed bond.
Bond Conditions: Not possess any animals, including companion or farm animals, while the case is pending
As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
