Butler Co. man accused of abusing dogs

A Butler County man has been charged with cruelty to animals after he was reportedly seen punching and kicking a dog in his yard, according to the Butler County Sheriff's Department.

Robert Lewis, 23, of Reily Township, fled when deputy dog wardens arrived at 6029 Stillwell Road at 1 p.m. Monday to investigate reports of animal cruelty, according to a news release.

Lewis was arrested 2:20 a.m. Tuesday and charged with obstructing official business, resisting arrest, and four counts of cruelty to animals. He also had several outstanding warrants from the City of Hamilton.

Lewis' two dogs and three puppies dogs were removed dog wardens. They are now being cared for and housed at the Animal Friends Humane Society on Princeton Road in Hamilton.

"These animals were severely abused," said Dog Warden Supervisor Kurt Merbs. "They were extremely submissive and obviously scared."

"It is truly repulsive that a human being can beat a defenseless animal," Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said.

"Mr. Lewis told our deputies that he was 'disciplining' his dogs. I think anyone with an ounce of common sense knows that torturing and beating animals is not a form of discipline," Jones said.

The puppies were voluntarily signed over by Lewis to the Animal Friends Humane Society. The placement of the other two dogs will be determined later.

Anyone interested in adopting these or other animals should visit or contact the Animal Friends Humane Society.