Delaware man sentenced for animal cruelty after 40 dogs were rescued from his home

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Delaware man has been sentenced to fines and jail time after being found guilty of animal cruelty for keeping 40 dogs in heavy chains and swampy conditions.

Robert M. Phillips was sentenced to 51 days in jail and nearly $3,000 in fines on Thursday on more than two dozen counts of animal cruelty. Phillips was arrested after the Delaware County Dog Warden rescued 40 dogs from his property on Kilbourne Road near Sunbury in April 2024.

Attention first came to Phillips' property when a viral TikTok showed the conditions of the property, revealing dozens of dogs in heavy chains living in mud and standing water with only blue barrels to shield them from the elements. Most were believed to be pit bulls or pit bull mixes, and although rumors spread online alleging there was dog fighting at the property, officials said there was no evidence to support that claim.

After the dogs were taken by the county, they received formal medical care and help for various behavioral needs before they entered fostering and adoption.

Before Phillips' arrest, Delaware County Dog Warden Mitchell Garett said officials were aware of the property since Phillips moved to the area, but previous investigations only found six dogs, all in good health. Although there were many complaints lodged about Phillips, Garett said most informants wanted to be anonymous and would not consent to witness statements, making it difficult to press charges.

Online court records show Phillips was charged with animal cruelty in North Carolina in 2012. After this week's sentencing, Phillips is now banned from having pets and will spend three years on probation after his release from jail.