Ashland County Woman Sentenced to Jail, Probation in Felony Animal Cruelty Case
ASHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — An Ashland County woman previously indicted under Ohio’s felony companion animal cruelty law has been sentenced to jail and two years of probation after pleading guilty.
Diane Carol Donahue, 65, of Sullivan, appeared before Ashland County Common Pleas Court Judge David R. Stimpert on June 8 for sentencing in Case No. 26-CRI-031.
Donahue had previously pleaded guilty to one count of cruelty to companion animals, a fifth-degree felony, in violation of Ohio Revised Code 959.131(C) and 959.99(E)(2). The sentencing hearing was conducted by remote video after Donahue waived her right to be physically present.
The case began after investigators alleged Donahue suffocated her dog following an incident in which the animal had reportedly bitten her grandson. Deputies later recovered the dog after it had been buried.
The Ashland County Grand Jury indicted Donahue in February, alleging she knowingly caused serious physical harm to a companion animal on or about Oct. 4, 2025.
Jail and Probation Ordered
Judge Stimpert sentenced Donahue to 30 days in the Ashland County Jail. She received credit for four days already served as of June 8.
Donahue was also placed under the supervision of the Ashland County Adult Probation Department for two years. She will initially be supervised at a high Ohio Risk Assessment System level and must have at least one face-to-face meeting with her probation officer as directed.
As part of her community-control sanctions, Donahue must:
Complete an alcohol assessment and any recommended treatment or counseling.
Refrain from possessing or having any animal under her control.
Obey all probation rules, court orders and laws.
Avoid alcohol, illegal drugs, marijuana and other intoxicants.
Submit to substance testing when directed.
Obtain permission before leaving Ohio.
Refrain from possessing firearms, ammunition or other deadly weapons.
The court also imposed a $250 fine, court costs and a probation supervision fee of $50 per month.
Judge Stimpert found Donahue was amenable to community-control sanctions and that probation was consistent with Ohio’s felony sentencing laws.
Prison Possible for Violations
The court warned Donahue that violating the terms of her probation could result in a prison sentence ranging from six to 12 months. She could also be subject to up to two years of post-release control if a prison term is imposed.
The court released Donahue’s bond following sentencing.
The presentence investigation report was ordered sealed. Donahue was represented by attorney Jonathon Spaulding, while Assistant Prosecuting Attorney James Reese represented the State of Ohio.
