At a hearing at Columbiana Municipal Court in Lisbon Thursday, July 23, four defendants from Alchemy Acres, an animal sanctuary in Salem and the site of the last Friday's animal seizure of more than 200 animals, pleaded no contest to one count of animal neglect each, a second-degree misdemeanor. 

At the hearing, Alchemy Acres agreed to surrender all of the animals, and each of the four defendants – Stephen Sacco, Julie Sacco, Emily Sacco, and Katie Sacco – could be given 90 days in jail, a $750 fine and be prohibited from working with animals for up to 5 years if found guilty.

"The purpose of this investigation was to save the animals," said Attorney Jeff Holland. "We did that today."

Alchemy Acres, which is run by a board of directors, will be able to operate the facility without the Saccos.

The animals were seized on the property of Alchemy Acres Animal Sanctuary, along Depot Road on July 10.

Dogs, cats, and other small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits were seized from the property in what was described by humane agents as filthy and extremely unhealthy conditions. 

About 40 animal rights protestors stood outside the courtroom during the hearing. 

"Their [Alchemy Acres] members are going to be held accountable for their actions and acknowledge that they did not take care of these animals," said Jason Cooke, animal rights activist. 

The animals taken from the property are now in the care of the Columbiana County Humane Society and will eventually be put up for adoption. 

"That is a lot of animals to be available at one time we're talking almost 200 animals," Cooke said, "so people are going to have to step up and adopt."

An inspection of the defendant's property is planned to take place Thursday afternoon along with an upcoming disposition hearing on their criminal charges.