Heather Birkmire, former operator of Pure Gold Stables in Salem Township, pleaded not guilty to multiple misdemeanor charges related to the deaths of five horses found on the property last fall. She faces five counts of cruelty to animals and four counts of improper disposition of dead animals, stemming from allegations that the horses were starved and neglected between May 2024 and October 2025. The horses’ remains were discovered in various states of decomposition, with necropsies confirming dehydration and starvation as causes of death. Birkmire was released on a $5,000 bond with a condition prohibiting her from owning companion animals, and a pretrial hearing is scheduled for August 5.

Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino highlighted the complexity and cost of the investigation, which involved transporting remains to Michigan State University for necropsies. He criticized Ohio’s Goddard’s Law for not classifying horses as companion animals, limiting charges to misdemeanors despite the severity of the cruelty. Abruzzino urged legislative changes to better protect horses and impose stronger penalties. The case remains under investigation, with authorities encouraging anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office.