[Cite as Beachwood v. Pearl, 2018-Ohio-1635.]

Court of Appeals of Ohio 

EIGHTH APPELLATE DISTRICT 

COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA 

JOURNAL ENTRY AND OPINION 

No. 105743

CITY OF BEACHWOOD

PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE 

vs. 

JUSTIN PEARL

DEFENDANT-APPELLANT 

JUDGMENT:

AFFIRMED IN PART; VACATED IN PART; 

AND REMANDED 

Criminal Appeal from the 

Shaker Heights Municipal Court 

Case No. 2016 CRB 00741 

BEFORE: Celebrezze, J., E.A. Gallagher, A.J., and McCormack, J. 

RELEASED AND JOURNALIZED: April 26, 2018 
ATTORNEY FOR APPELLANT

Eric M. Levy 

55 Public Square, Suite 1600 

Cleveland, Ohio 44113 

ATTORNEY FOR APPELLEE

Thomas F. Greve 

Prosecutor, City of Beachwood 

Matty, Henrikson & Greve, L.L.C. 

55 Public Square, Suite 1775 

Cleveland, Ohio 44113 

FRANK D. CELEBREZZE, JR., J.: 

{¶1} Defendant-appellant, Justin Pearl (“appellant”), brings this appeal challenging his 

conviction and the trial court’s sentence for cruelty to companion animals. Specifically, 

appellant argues that the trial court erred by finding him guilty of violating Beachwood Codified 

Ordinances (“B.C.O.”) Section 618.051(c)(5) because he was charged with violating Section 

618.051(c)(2) in the complaint; the trial court presumed his guilt based on statements he made to 

the responding officer violating his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination; the 

trial court erred by arbitrarily disregarding the uncontradicted testimony of the defense’s expert 

witness; his conviction was not supported by sufficient evidence and is against the manifest 

weight of the evidence; and the trial court erred by sentencing him to probation in its sentencing 

entry without imposing the sentence in open court. After a thorough review of the record and 

law, this court affirms in part, vacates in part, and remands for further proceedings consistent 

with this opinion. 
I. Factual and Procedural History

{¶2} The instant matter arose from a July 28, 2016 incident during which appellant 

parked his vehicle and left his two dogs in the vehicle in a parking lot on Chagrin Boulevard in 

Beachwood, Ohio. Appellant had an appointment scheduled for 2:30 p.m., however he was 

running a few minutes late. The temperature was approximately 84 degrees at the time of the 

incident. The windows of appellant’s vehicle were cracked open one or two inches. 

{¶3} Lisa Friedman worked in the area and noticed the dogs in appellant’s vehicle around 

2:43 p.m. She became concerned about the dogs’ safety and believed that it was too hot outside 

for the dogs to be confined in the vehicle. As a result, she called the Beachwood Police 

Department and her sister, Lori Sustin, who also worked in the area. 

{¶4} Beachwood Police Officer Monica Svigel responded to the parking lot where 

appellant’s vehicle was parked. Officer Svigel was eventually able to identify appellant as the 

owner of the vehicle in which the dogs were confined. A police dispatcher contacted appellant 

and advised him to return to his vehicle. When appellant returned to his vehicle, the dogs had 

been confined for at least 40 minutes. At this point, Officer Svigel made the decision to arrest 

appellant for cruelty to companion animals. 

{¶5} Appellant was charged in a one-count complaint with cruelty to companion animals, 

in violation of B.C.O. 618.051(c). As will be discussed in further detail below, the complaint 

alleged that appellant violated subsection (c)(2) but incorporated the language set forth in 

subsection (c)(5). Appellant was arraigned on August 16, 2016. He pled not guilty to the 

complaint. 

{¶6} A bench trial commenced on November 28, 2016. The city presented the 

testimony of the two eyewitnesses and the responding police officer. At the close of the city’s 
case-in-chief, appellant moved for a Crim.R. 29 judgment of acquittal, which the trial court 

denied. 

{¶7} The defense called three witnesses: (1) Paul Shaughnessy, an expert in the field of 

canine health and transportation, (2) appellant’s wife, Nikoline Larson,1 and (3) appellant. The 

bench trial concluded on December 5, 2016. The trial court ordered the parties to submit 

written closing arguments. 

{¶8} The trial court issued a judgment entry on March 3, 2017, finding appellant guilty of 

cruelty to companion animals. The judgment entry included findings of fact and conclusions of 

law. 

{¶9} On March 20, 2017, appellant filed a motion to set aside the trial court’s verdict and 

for a judgment of acquittal pursuant to Crim.R. 29(C). The trial court issued a judgment entry 

on March 29, 2017, denying appellant’s motion. 

{¶10} The trial court held a sentencing hearing on April 3, 2017. The prosecutor and 

defense counsel addressed the court. The trial court imposed a $500 fine and suspended $300 

of the fine on the condition that appellant did not have any additional dog charges in the next 12 

months. 

{¶11} On April 3, 2017, the trial court issued a sentencing judgment entry in which it (1) 

imposed a $500 fine plus court costs; (2) terminated the administrative license suspension; (3) 

placed appellant on inactive probation for one year; and (4) suspended $300 of the $500 fine on 

the condition that appellant does not have any similar convictions or dog violations during the 

one-year probationary period. 

 1 Appellant and Larson were not married at the time of the July 28, 2016 incident. 
{¶12} On April 18, 2017, appellant filed a motion for the trial court to issue a nunc pro 

tunc sentencing entry reflecting that the trial court did not place him on probation. The trial 

court issued a judgment entry on April 27, 2017, denying appellant’s motion for a nunc pro tunc 

sentencing entry. 

{¶13} Appellant filed the instant appeal challenging the trial court’s judgment on May 3, 

2017. He assigns six errors for review: 

I. The trial court erred when it found appellant guilty of violating Ord. 

618.051(C)(2) as charged despite making its findings under the elements set forth 

in Ord. 618.051(C)(5) for which the court was without jurisdiction. 

II. The trial court erred when it imposed a sentence of inactive probation in its 

judgment entry that was not imposed at the sentencing hearing. 

III. The trial court erred when it specifically indicated in its written opinion that it 

considered appellant’s not providing evidence and remaining silent when 

questioned by police as an indication of his guilt. 

IV. The trial court erred and abused its discretion by arbitrarily disregarding 

uncontradicted expert testimony. 

V. The trial court erred in finding appellant guilty of cruelty to companion animals 

where the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to overcome appellant’s 

Crim.R. 29 motion and to support a conviction at the close of evidence. 

VI. The trial court erred in finding appellant guilty of cruelty to companion 

animals after a bench trial where the manifest weight of the evidence did not 

support appellant’s convictions. 

For ease of discussion, we will address appellant’s assignments of error out of order. 

II. Law and Analysis

A. Jurisdiction

{¶14} In his first assignment of error, appellant argues that the trial court erred by finding 

him guilty of cruelty to companion animals, in violation of B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2), as charged in 

the complaint, because the trial court’s findings pertained to cruelty to companion animals in 
violation of B.C.O. 618.051(c)(5). Appellant contends that the trial court did not have 

jurisdiction to find him guilty of violating B.C.O. 618.051(c)(5) because the complaint alleged 

that appellant violated B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2). Appellant essentially argues that the trial court 

found him guilty of the wrong ordinance. 

{¶15} Initially, we note that defense counsel did not object to the trial court’s jurisdiction 

below. Accordingly, we review for plain error. State v. Murphy, 91 Ohio St.3d 516, 532, 747 

N.E.2d 765 (2001), quoting State v. Childs, 14 Ohio St.2d 56, 62, 236 N.E.2d 545 (1968) (“Even 

constitutional rights ‘may be lost as finally as any others by a failure to assert them at the proper 

time.’”). Crim.R. 52(B) provides that “[p]lain errors or defects affecting substantial rights may 

be noticed although they were not brought to the attention of the court.” We are mindful that 

notice of plain error “‘is to be taken with the utmost caution, under exceptional circumstances, 

and only to prevent a manifest miscarriage of justice.’” State v. Barnes, 94 Ohio St.3d 21, 27, 

759 N.E.2d 1240 (2002), quoting State v. Long, 53 Ohio St.2d 91, 97, 372 N.E.2d 804 (1978). 

{¶16} In support of his argument that the trial court found him guilty of the wrong 

subsection of B.C.O. 618.051(c), appellant contends that (1) the wrong subsection was cited in 

the complaint and the trial court’s March 3, 2017 judgment entry, (2) the complaint cited the 

wrong degree of the offense with which he was charged, and (3) the wrong offense was cited in 

the trial court’s April 3, 2017 sentencing entry. 

{¶17} First, regarding the complaint, the offense “cruelty to companion animals” was 

listed at the top of the complaint. Immediately beneath this offense, the complaint cited B.C.O. 

618.051(c)(2). The body of the complaint also alleged that appellant violated B.C.O. 

618.051(c)(2). Despite the citations to B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2) at the top and in the body of the 

complaint, the body of the complaint incorporated the language set forth in B.C.O. 618.051(c)(5), 
not (c)(2). The body of the complaint alleged that appellant “did negligently deprive his two (2) 

dogs of water while confining them in a hot vehicle during 84 degree weather. Witnesses 

advised the dogs were in the car for approximately 40 minutes.” 

{¶18} The top of the complaint stated that the offense with which appellant was charged 

was a misdemeanor of the first degree. B.C.O. 618.051(f)(2) provides that “[w]hoever violates 

[B.C.O. 618.051(c)] is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree on a first offense and a 

misdemeanor of the first degree on each subsequent offense.” 

{¶19} Second, the trial court’s March 3, 2017 judgment entry stated that appellant was 

charged with violating B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2). However, the judgment entry incorporates the 

language from B.C.O. 618.051(c)(5). In the body of the judgment entry, the trial court found 

appellant guilty of the offense of cruelty to companion animals, without citing the specific 

subsection of B.C.O. 618.051(c). 

{¶20} Third, the trial court’s April 3, 2017 sentencing judgment entry states that appellant 

was charged with “cruelty to animals.” This offense, however, is governed by B.C.O. 618.05, 

not B.C.O. 618.051. 

{¶21} Appellant argues that he could not have reasonably known what offense — a 

violation of B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2) or a violation of B.C.O. 618.051(c)(5) — that he was being 

charged with. He further emphasizes that these subsections have different elements. 

Appellant asserts that he raised this issue to the trial court in his written closing argument and 

that neither the court nor the city amended the complaint to reflect the correct subsection of 

B.C.O. 618.051(c). 

{¶22} The city concedes that the complaint erroneously cited B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2) as the 

offense with which appellant was charged. The city argues, however, that appellant had 
adequate notice that he was charged for violating B.C.O. 618.051(c)(5), and thus, appellant was 

not prejudiced by the “numerical designation error.” After reviewing the record, we agree with 

the city. 

{¶23} It is undisputed that the elements of a violation of B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2) and (c)(5) 

are different. B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2) provides that “[n]o person who confines or who is the 

custodian or caretaker of a companion animal shall negligently * * * [o]mit any act of care by 

which unnecessary or unjustifiable pain or suffering is caused, permitted or allowed to continue, 

when there is a reasonable remedy or relief, against the companion animal[.]” B.C.O. 

618.051(c)(5) provides, 

[n]o person who confines or who is the custodian or caretaker of a companion 

animal shall negligently * * * [d]eprive the companion animal of necessary 

sustenance, confine the companion animal without supplying it during the 

confinement with sufficient quantities of good, wholesome food and water, or 

impound or confine the companion animal without affording it, during the 

impoundment or confinement, with access to shelter from heat, cold, wind, rain, 

snow, or excessive direct sunlight, if it can reasonably be expected that the 

companion animal would become sick or suffer in any other way as a result of or 

due to the deprivation, confinement, or impoundment in any of those specified 

manners. 

{¶24} Although the complaint alleged that appellant violated B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2), a 

review of the complaint reflects that the citation to B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2) was merely a 

typographical error. The complaint incorporated the language of B.C.O. 618.051(c)(5), not 

(c)(2). Similarly, although the trial court’s March 3, 2017 judgment entry states that appellant 

was charged with violating B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2), the trial court cites the language set forth in 

B.C.O. 618.051(c)(5), and the trial court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law pertain to the 

elements of subsection (c)(5), rather than the elements of subsection (c)(2). Accordingly, it is 

evident that the trial court’s citation to B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2) was merely a typographical error. 
{¶25} Appellant’s assertion that he could not have reasonably known which subsection he 

was being charged with is unsupported by the record. Defense counsel’s written closing 

argument demonstrates that although the complaint and the city’s initial closing argument cited 

B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2), appellant was aware that he was being prosecuted for violating B.C.O. 

618.051(c)(5). Defense counsel’s closing argument provides, in relevant part, “[t]hough the 

[p]rosecution, in closing, alleges to charge [appellant] with a violation of 618.051(c)(2), it 

actually quotes and makes allegations based on Section 618.051(c)(5). However, there is no 

need to harp on what is likely a simple typographical error.” (Emphasis added.) In the city’s 

final closing argument, the prosecutor confirmed that appellant was correct in that the applicable 

subsection of B.C.O. 618.051 was (c)(5), not (c)(2). 

{¶26} Based on the foregoing analysis, we find that appellant failed to demonstrate that 

he was prejudicially misled as a result of the numerical errors regarding the subsection of the 

cruelty to companion animals offense with which he was charged and convicted. Accordingly, 

appellant’s first assignment of error is overruled. 

{¶27} It is well established that a trial court speaks through its journal entries. State v. 

Miller, 127 Ohio St.3d 407, 2010-Ohio-5705, 940 N.E.2d 924, ¶ 12. A trial court may correct 

clerical errors in its journal entries at any time in order to conform to the transcript of the 

proceedings. State v. Lugo, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 103893, 2016-Ohio-2647, ¶ 3, citing State 

v. Steinke, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 81785, 2003-Ohio-3527, ¶ 47; Crim.R. 36. Trial courts 

retain continuing jurisdiction to correct clerical errors in judgments with a nunc pro tunc entry to 

reflect what the court actually decided. State ex rel. Cruzado v. Zaleski, 111 Ohio St.3d 353, 

2006-Ohio-5795, 856 N.E.2d 263, ¶ 18-19. 

{¶28} Because the trial court’s March 3, 2017 judgment entry erroneously states that 
appellant was charged with violating B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2), and because the trial court’s April 3, 

2017 sentencing judgment entry erroneously states that appellant was charged with “cruelty to 

animals” rather than “cruelty to companion animals,” we remand the matter to the trial court for 

the limited purpose of issuing nunc pro tunc journal entries that accurately reflect the offense 

with which appellant was charged and convicted. 

B. Right to Remain Silent

{¶29} In his third assignment of error, appellant takes issue with testimony elicited by the 

prosecution and comments in the city’s opening and closing arguments regarding appellant not 

having water or a ventilation system in his vehicle. Appellant argues that the testimony and 

statements were based on the fact that he did not specifically inform the responding police officer 

that he had water or a ventilation system in his vehicle. He contends that the trial court 

committed plain error by considering his failure to make a statement regarding water or a 

ventilation system in his vehicle as an indication of his guilt. We disagree. 

{¶30} It is well established that opening and closing statements are not evidence. Peffer 

v. Cleveland Clinic Found., 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 94356, 2011-Ohio-450, ¶ 27. Appellate 

courts presume that in a bench trial, a trial court considered only relevant and admissible 

evidence. State v. Crawford, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 98605, 2013-Ohio-1659, ¶ 61; State v. 

Chandler, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 81817, 2003-Ohio-6037, ¶ 17. 

{¶31} Initially, we note that when appellant returned to his vehicle in the parking lot, he 

did not remain silent or invoke his constitutional rights to remain silent or against 

self-incrimination. Rather, appellant freely and voluntarily engaged in a conversation with 

Officer Svigel. 

{¶32} During this conversation, Officer Svigel stated that there were two dogs in 
appellant’s vehicle that were panting without access to water. Appellant did not specifically 

address or dispute Officer Svigel’s assertion that the dogs did not have water. Rather, he stated 

that (1) whenever he leaves the dogs in the car he turns the car on at different times, (2) while he 

was in his appointment, he had remotely started his vehicle and his vehicle had been running, (3) 

when he starts his vehicle remotely, it turns off after 15 minutes, and (4) he had the windows of 

his vehicle open. 

{¶33} The prosecution did not comment or elicit testimony regarding appellant’s silence 

or failure to profess his innocence. As noted above, appellant did not remain silent and he did, 

in fact, profess his innocence. On direct examination, the prosecutor asked Officer Svigel, 

“from the time [appellant] came out [to his vehicle in the parking lot], what did he do and what 

did he say?” (Tr. 81.) The following exchange took place: 

THE PROSECUTOR: Did [appellant] offer to show you or did he show you at 

any point in time while you were present on the scene that there was water that 

had been provided to his two dogs? 

OFFICER SVIGEL: No. 

THE PROSECUTOR: At any time while [appellant] was on the scene, did he 

show you any of the mechanization or any special way his truck had been built to 

provide sustenance or water to his two dogs? 

OFFICER SVIGEL: No. In fact, when I advised him that he was going to be 

under arrest, he tried to articulate that he did periodically start his truck; and I 

explained that we have witness statements saying he didn’t. And then he further 

explained, Well, the windows were cracked. And I said, Well, it’s still hot. 

And that was the end of his argument about the comfortability of his dogs. He 

never elaborated on water in the vehicle or any specifications to the vehicle to 

indicate comfortability for the animals. 

THE PROSECUTOR: Did he indicate to you he had any type of special 

ventilation system while he was present on the scene at any time involving his two 

dogs being inside of his vehicle? 

OFFICER SVIGEL: He did not. He only indicated that he could remote start his 

vehicle for air conditioning purposes. 
 

(Tr. 83-84.) 

{¶34} On direct examination, appellant testified that “there’s a cup holder between the 

[back] seats, which is where I put water in for the — for the dogs. It sits in — there’s two very 

large cup holders which fit exactly one full water bottle. More than that little water bottle there, 

it fits in the cup holder.” (Tr. 164.) Appellant testified that he had water in these cup holders 

when he went into his appointment on July 28, 2016. 

{¶35} The trial court did not find appellant’s testimony that the dogs had access to water 

inside the vehicle and that a ventilation system was operating inside the vehicle to be credible. 

The trial court’s judgment entry provides, in relevant part, 

During their confinement, the dogs could be seen panting profusely and with dried 

out tongues. No water was visible with the dried out tongues giving indication 

that they had not been drinking water although one of the dogs attempted to take 

water from a witness. The only contradictory testimony about the availability of 

water was offered by [appellant] at trial saying that the cup holders in the truck 

contained water. The fact that this was stated for the first time at trial makes the 

testimony on this point less credible carrying less weight with the court. 

* * * 

[Appellant] offered testimony that the truck had been modified with an automatic 

air fan system. Yet, this system is never heard to be running during the time the 

witnesses or police officer were near the truck and awaiting [appellant’s] return. 

It is also noteworthy that as soon as [appellant] approached the truck in response 

to the officer’s call, he did remotely start the truck for the first time. If the 

interior automatic fan system were sufficient, there would have been no need to 

start the truck upon his approach. [Appellant] only returned to the truck at 3:25 

p.m., because he was summoned by the police. 

 

(Emphasis sic.) 

{¶36} After reviewing the record, we find no merit to appellant’s assertion that the trial 

court presumed he was guilty based on his failure to inform Officer Svigel that the dogs had 

access to water inside the vehicle or that he had a ventilation system that was operating. Rather, 
the trial court concluded that appellant’s testimony that the dogs had access to water and that a 

ventilation system was operating inside his vehicle was not credible based on the prior statements 

that appellant voluntarily made to Officer Svigel at the time of the incident, the testimony of 

eyewitnesses Friedman and Sustin, and the testimony of Officer Svigel. The trial court’s 

credibility determination on this point does not run afoul to the Fifth Amendment or appellant’s 

privilege against self-incrimination. Accordingly, appellant’s third assignment of error is 

overruled. 

C. Expert Testimony

{¶37} In his fourth assignment of error, appellant argues that the trial court abused its 

discretion by arbitrarily disregarding the testimony of the defense’s expert witness, Paul 

Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy was recognized as an expert in the field of canine health and 

transportation. He was not present at the scene at the time of the incident; however, he 

reviewed the video footage from Officer Svigel’s body camera. He also examined appellant’s 

vehicle after-the-fact and without appellant’s dogs inside. Shaughnessy described a “water 

system” and a “ventilation system” that appellant has in his vehicle. 

{¶38} Regarding the “water system,” Shaughnessy explained that when he stood outside 

the vehicle and looked through the windows, he could not identify any water inside the vehicle. 

However, when he opened the doors and examined the inside of the vehicle, he discovered that 

the cup holders in the backseat were filled with water. Shaughnessy stated that appellant uses 

the cup holders as a “water reservoir” for the dogs. He explained that you cannot see the water 

in the cup holders by simply looking through the windows. He could not definitively state, 

however, that the cup holders were filled with water when the dogs were confined in appellant’s 

vehicle on July 28, 2016. 
{¶39} Shaughnessy also testified about the “ventilation system” that appellant installed in 

his vehicle. He explained that you cannot see the ventilation system by simply looking through 

the windows. The ventilation system is underneath the vehicle’s floorboards and it pulls cool 

air from underneath the vehicle into the car. When the ventilation system is activated, it makes 

a “humming noise,” and the system is “very quiet.” He asserted that the ventilation system can 

activate even when the vehicle is turned off. He explained that the ventilation system is a 

standard piece of equipment in police vehicles. Shaughnessy testified that the ventilation 

system that appellant had in his vehicle could keep the dogs safe if they were confined for a 

40-minute time period. He could not definitively state, however, that the ventilation system 

was, in fact, on when the dogs were confined in appellant’s vehicle on July 28, 2016. 

{¶40} Based on his review of the video footage, he opined that (1) the dogs were not 

exhibiting behaviors that led him to believe they were in heatstroke or in any danger at the time 

they were confined in appellant’s vehicle; and (2) if the dogs were confined in appellant’s vehicle 

in 85-degree heat, without water and a ventilation system, it is very possible they would have 

been in great danger and could possibly even have died. 

{¶41} Shaughnessy hypothesized that when the dogs were confined in appellant’s vehicle 

on July 28, 2016, either the ventilation system was on or the dogs had access to water inside the 

vehicle. On cross-examination, Shaughnessy asserted that it would be dangerous to confine the 

dogs in the vehicle without a ventilation system and access to water when the temperature 

outside was 85 degrees. (Tr. 188.) 

{¶42} In support of his argument that the trial court abused its discretion by arbitrarily 

ignoring Shaughnessy’s testimony, appellant directs this court to State v. White, 118 Ohio St.3d 

12, 2008-Ohio-1623, 885 N.E.2d 905. In White, the Ohio Supreme Court explained, 
[w]hile the trial court is the trier of fact, it may not disregard credible and 

uncontradicted expert testimony in favor of either the perceptions of lay witnesses 

or of the court’s own expectations * * *. Doing so shows an arbitrary, 

unreasonable attitude toward the evidence before the court and constitutes an 

abuse of discretion. 

Id. at ¶ 74. 

The trier of fact cannot “weigh” witness testimony and assess its “credibility,” 

unless there are conflicts in the evidence or questions of credibility to be resolved. 

See [State v. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d 380, 387, 678 N.E.2d 541 (1997)], citing 

[State v. Martin, 20 Ohio App.3d 172, 175, 485 N.E.2d 717 (1st Dist.1983)]. 

For example, the trier of fact may reject an expert’s opinion based on the 

contradictory opinion testimony of another expert or the expert’s own concessions 

during cross-examination that question the credibility of his opinion. See, e.g., 

State ex rel. Unger v. Indus. Comm., 70 Ohio St.3d 672, 676, 640 N.E.2d 833 

(1994); State v. Pierce, 64 Ohio St.3d 490, 500-501, 597 N.E.2d 107 (1992). 

The trier of fact “may not disregard credible and uncontradicted expert 

testimony[.]” [White at ¶ 74]. 

(Emphasis added.) Cromer v. Children’s Hosp. Med. Ctr. of Akron, 2016-Ohio-7461, 64 

N.E.3d 1018, ¶ 26 (9th Dist.). 

While a trial court cannot “arbitrarily” ignore an expert opinion, it may reach a 

contrary conclusion if there are “some reasons * * * objectively present” in the 

record to do so. State v. Brown, 5 Ohio St.3d 133, 135, 449 N.E.2d 449 (1983). 

Thus, an expert’s opinion is not conclusive, even if uncontradicted by another 

expert. Id.; see [White at ¶ 71] (holding that the trial court is not required to 

accept an expert’s opinion when there is some objectively present reason for 

ignoring it). 

State v. Walker, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-150757, 2017-Ohio-9255, ¶ 14. 

{¶43} After reviewing the record in the instant matter, we find that the trial court did not 
ignore or disregard Shaughnessy’s testimony. Rather, the record reflects that the trial court 

determined that his testimony was not credible. Furthermore, we find that there were 

objectively present reasons based upon which the trial court could reject Shaughnessy’s 

conclusions and hypothesis and make its own determination as to whether it could reasonably be 

expected that appellant’s dogs would become sick or suffer as a result of appellant’s negligence. 

{¶44} First, in White, “the trial court’s rejection of the expert testimony was not based on 

any credibility determination.” Id. at ¶ 73. In this case, unlike White, the trial court found that 

Shaughnessy’s testimony was not credible because he was not at the scene and did not observe 

the dogs firsthand while they were confined inside appellant’s vehicle. It is undisputed that 

Shaughnessy was not present at the scene and did not observe the dogs in appellant’s vehicle 

firsthand. Shaughnessy’s observations were based on his review of the video footage recorded 

by Officer Svigel’s body camera and his subsequent examination of appellant’s vehicle. During 

cross-examination, Shaughnessy acknowledged that “with [the body camera video], we could not 

see in the car.” (Tr. 191.) He conceded that he could not clearly see into the vehicle from the 

video footage. Shaughnessy explained that the first time he actually sees the dogs on the video 

is when they exit the vehicle after arriving at appellant’s house. 

{¶45} Second, we find that there were objectively present reasons based upon which the 

trial court could reject Shaughnessy’s testimony and hypothesis. As noted above, Shaughnessy 

hypothesized that when the dogs were confined in appellant’s vehicle, either the ventilation 

system was on or the dogs had access to water inside the vehicle. This hypothesis is 

contradicted by the eyewitness testimony of Friedman, Sustin, and Officer Svigel. 

{¶46} Friedman testified that from the time she arrived on the scene until appellant 

returned to the parking lot, appellant’s car never went on and that “[t]here was no sounds coming 
from that car. Had the car been running, I would not have called the police.” (Tr. 24.) When 

defense counsel asked if she would have been concerned if she knew that there was a ventilation 

system in the car, Friedman asserted that she did not hear “anything going” in appellant’s vehicle. 

(Tr. 42.) Friedman also testified that she did not see any evidence that there was water inside 

the vehicle. 

{¶47} Sustin testified that she did not hear any fan noise inside appellant’s vehicle and 

that the car never started the entire time she was outside in the parking lot. She testified that she 

“looked in the vehicle over and over again from different points of view,” and that there was not 

water inside the vehicle. (Tr. 69.) 

{¶48} Officer Svigel testified that she did not see any water in either the front or back 

seat. She did not observe the dogs having access to water or sustenance while she was on scene 

waiting for appellant to return to his car. Officer Svigel asserted that she did not feel any wind 

circulating into the vehicle when she stuck her hand inside. Officer Svigel explained that she 

looked inside the vehicle in order to determine whether the dogs had access to any food or water. 

 She did not see any water inside the vehicle. 

{¶49} The testimony of Friedman, Sustin, and Officer Svigel regarding the lack of water 

inside the vehicle is supported by the witnesses’ observations that the dogs’ tongues were “bone 

dry.” 

{¶50} To the extent that appellant argues that the ventilation system was activated while 

he was in his appointment, this argument is unsupported by the record. Because the ventilation 

system pulls air from underneath the vehicle into the vehicle, Shaughnessy explained that there 

would be a “fume factor” if the ventilation system kicked on when the car was running. In other 

words, if the vehicle was running, then the ventilation system could, in theory, bring potentially 
harmful fumes from underneath the vehicle and circulate them inside the vehicle. However, he 

opined that the ventilation system would be effective as long as the car was not running. 

{¶51} Assuming that appellant had the ventilation system in his vehicle on July 28, 2016, 

and that the ventilation system worked even if the vehicle was off, there would be no need for 

appellant to remotely start his vehicle while he was in his appointment. However, appellant 

advised Officer Svigel that he remotely started his vehicle while he was in his appointment, and 

he remotely started the vehicle as he exited the building and returned to the parking lot. If 

appellant had remotely started his vehicle while he was in his appointment, as he claimed, and 

the ventilation system was on, as Shaughnessy hypothesized, then the dogs could have been in 

danger when the fumes from underneath the vehicle were circulated into the vehicle. 

{¶52} Shaughnessy’s hypothesis that the ventilation system was on while appellant was in 

his appointment is also contradicted by Officer Svigel’s testimony. Officer Svigel testified that 

she reached her hand inside the vehicle to determine how hot it was inside. Officer Svigel 

concluded that “[t]he interior of the vehicle was significantly hotter than the exterior of the 

vehicle.” (Tr. 78.) She also asserted that she did not feel any wind circulating into the vehicle 

when she stuck her hand inside. Had the ventilation system been working, as Shaughnessy 

hypothesized, the temperature inside the vehicle should have been cooler than the temperature 

outside. 

{¶53} Finally, Shaughnessy opined that the dogs would not be adversely impacted if they 

were confined in the vehicle for 40 to 60 minutes if the temperature inside the vehicle was 90 to 

95 degrees. Officer Svigel estimated, however, that when the temperature outside was 80 to 85 

degrees, the temperature inside the vehicle would have been between 118 and 123 degrees after 

40 minutes. (Tr. 96.) 
{¶54} After reviewing the record, we cannot say the trial court abused its discretion in 

determining that the eyewitnesses were in a better position to view the dogs than Shaughnessy. 

The dogs cannot be clearly and consistently observed in the body camera video footage. The 

view of the dogs and the inside of appellant’s vehicle is obstructed by (1) the windows, which 

were cracked one or two inches, (2) the tint of the rear windows, and (3) the reflection off of the 

windows. Furthermore, Officer Svigel is constantly moving around while her body camera is 

recording. She is interacting with Sustin and Friedman, and she is walking back and forth 

between appellant’s vehicle and her police cruiser. For all of these reasons, the trial court 

reasonably concluded that Officer Svigel, who was present at the scene and observing the dogs 

firsthand, was in a better position to view the dogs and their behavior than Shaughnessy. 

{¶55} To the extent that appellant argues that the trial court disregarded Shaughnessy’s 

testimony in favor of Officer Svigel’s testimony regarding whether the dogs were exhibiting 

signs of heatstroke or dehydration, this argument is not supported by the record. In the trial 

court’s judgment entry, the trial court stated that while the dogs were confined inside the vehicle, 

they “could be seen panting profusely and with dried out tongues. No water was visible with 

the dried tongues giving indication that they had not been drinking water[.]” Appellant 

emphasizes, citing Shaughnessy’s testimony, that profuse salivation, a bright red tongue, 

dizziness, and lethargy are signs of heatstroke and/or dehydration. Shaughnessy asserted that a 

dry tongue is not indicative of a heatstroke and that it is normal for dogs to have dry tongues or 

tongues that are not excessively dripping. On the other hand, Officer Svigel asserted that the 

dogs’ bone-dry and whiteish tongues, lack of drool or saliva, and profuse panting were signs of 

heatstroke and dehydration. 
{¶56} After reviewing the record, we find that the trial court referenced “dried” and 

“dried out” tongues in its judgment entry as an indication that the dogs did not have access to 

water inside the vehicle — not as an indication that the dogs were having a heatstroke or were 

dehydrated. 

{¶57} Based on the foregoing analysis, we cannot say that the trial court arbitrarily 

disregarded Shaughnessy’s testimony. Although the city did not present expert testimony 

contradicting Shaughnessy’s testimony, the trial court determined that Shaughnessy’s testimony 

was not credible because he was not at the scene and did not observe the dogs firsthand. 

Furthermore, we find that there were objectively present reasons based upon which the trial court 

could reject Shaughnessy’s testimony and reach a contrary conclusion as to whether it could 

reasonably be expected that the dogs would become sick or suffer as a result of appellant’s 

negligence. First, the testimony of Friedman, Sustin, and Officer Svigel contradicted 

Shaughnessy’s theory that there was water inside the vehicle or the ventilation system was on. 

Second, Shaughnessy’s concessions that he did not observe the dogs firsthand, that he could not 

clearly see the dogs or the inside of appellant’s vehicle on the body camera video, and that he did 

not actually see the dogs until they jumped out of the car in appellant’s driveway question the 

credibility of his opinion. Accordingly, we find no basis to conclude that the trial court abused 

its discretion. Appellant’s fourth assignment of error is overruled. 

D. Sufficiency

{¶58} In his fifth assignment of error, appellant argues that the trial court erred by 

denying his Crim.R. 29 motion for a judgment of acquittal and that his conviction for cruelty to 

companion animals was not supported by sufficient evidence. 

{¶59} Crim.R. 29 mandates that the trial court issue a judgment of acquittal where the 

state’s evidence is insufficient to sustain a conviction for the offense. Cleveland v. Pate, 8th 

Dist. Cuyahoga No. 99321, 2013-Ohio-5571, ¶ 12. We conduct the same analysis in reviewing 

a trial court’s ruling on a Crim.R. 29 motion and a challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence. 

State v. Bridgeman, 55 Ohio St.2d 261, 381 N.E.2d 184 (1978), syllabus. 

{¶60} The test for sufficiency requires a determination of whether the prosecution met its 

burden of production at trial. State v. Bowden, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 92266, 
2009-Ohio-3598, ¶ 12. The relevant inquiry is whether, after viewing the evidence in a light 

most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential 

elements of the crime proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d at 386, 678 

N.E.2d 541. 

{¶61} In the instant matter, appellant was convicted of cruelty to companion animals in 

violation of B.C.O. 618.051(c)(5), which provides in relevant part, 

[n]o person who confines or who is the custodian or caretaker of a companion 

animal shall negligently * * * [d]eprive the companion animal of necessary 

sustenance, confine the companion animal without supplying it during the 

confinement with sufficient quantities of good, wholesome food and water, or 

impound or confine the companion animal without affording it, during the 

impoundment or confinement, with access to shelter from heat, cold, wind, rain, 

snow, or excessive direct sunlight, if it can reasonably be expected that the 

companion animal would become sick or suffer in any other way as a result of or 

due to the deprivation, confinement, or impoundment in any of those specified 

manners. 

{¶62} Appellant argues that the city failed to establish that he either (1) negligently 

deprived his dogs of sufficient quantities of water and that it could reasonably be expected that 

his dogs would become sick of suffer as a result of the deprivation, or (2) negligently confined 

his dogs without affording them with shelter from heat and that it could reasonably be expected 

that his dogs would become sick or suffer as a result of the confinement. Appellant suggests 

that the city was required to present (1) expert testimony regarding whether it could reasonably 

be expected that his dogs would become sick or suffer as a result of being deprived of sufficient 
quantities of water or being confined in heat; (2) testimony regarding what quantity of water 

would be sufficient for the dogs under the conditions on July 28, 2016; (3) expert testimony 

regarding how long the dogs could safely be confined in the vehicle on a cloudy day when the 

temperature was 85 degrees; and (4) expert testimony regarding the temperature inside the 

vehicle under the conditions present on July 28, 2016. Appellant further suggests that the city 

was required to establish that the dogs did not have access to sufficient quantities of water on the 

day of July 28, 2016 — not merely when they were confined inside the vehicle. We disagree. 

{¶63} As noted above, the city was required to establish that it could reasonably be 

expected that the dogs would become sick or suffer as a result of appellant’s negligence. The city 

was not, as appellant suggests, required to establish to a degree of scientific or professional 

certainty that the dogs could or did, in fact, become sick or suffer. 

{¶64} Appellant cites State v. Dixon, 6th Dist. Huron No. H-05-021, 2006-Ohio-2114, for 

the proposition that expert testimony from a veterinarian is required to establish a conviction for 

cruelty to animals. Appellant’s reliance on Dixon is misplaced. In fact, the Sixth District 

noted that none of the state’s witnesses formally testified as expert witnesses. Id. at ¶ 15. 

Furthermore, the court explained that “a lay person may give opinion evidence based upon 

observed facts.” Id. at ¶ 16, citing Am. Louisiana Pipe Line Co. v. Kennerk, 103 Ohio App. 

133, 144 N.E.2d 660 (6th Dist.1957). 

{¶65} After reviewing the record, we find that the city’s evidence, if believed, was 

sufficient to support appellant’s conviction. The city’s three eyewitnesses — Friedman, Sustin, 

and Officer Svigel — all reasonably expected, based on their observations, that the dogs would 

become sick and/or suffer as a result of appellant’s negligence. 
{¶66} First, regarding Officer Svigel’s testimony, appellant argues that the city attempted 

to elicit expert testimony from Officer Svigel even though she was not qualified to testify as an 

expert. Specifically, appellant asserts that Officer Svigel testified about the temperature inside 

the vehicle without having an actual understanding of the subject matter. He further contends 

that Officer Svigel was unable to testify whether the dogs had access to sufficient quantities of 

water inside the vehicle, or whether the dogs consumed sufficient quantities of water throughout 

the day. 

{¶67} Initially, we note that appellant did not object to Officer Svigel’s testimony during 

trial. Accordingly, he has waived all but plain error. State v. Lang, 129 Ohio St.3d 512, 

2011-Ohio-4215, 954 N.E.2d 596, ¶ 136. 

{¶68} “Under Evid.R. 701, courts have permitted lay witnesses to express their opinions 

in areas in which it would ordinarily be expected that an expert must be qualified under Evid.R. 

702.” State v. Primeau, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 97901, 2012-Ohio-5172, ¶ 74, citing State v. 

McKee, 91 Ohio St.3d 292, 744 N.E.2d 737 (2001). This court has consistently recognized that 

the testimony of a state’s witness, who is not presented as an expert, is properly admitted under 

Evid.R. 701 when (1) the testimony is based on the witness’s training or experience, (2) the 

testimony relates to the witness’s personal observations with the investigation, and (3) the 

testimony is helpful to determine a fact at issue. See, e.g., State v. Wilkinson, 8th Dist. 

Cuyahoga No. 100859, 2014-Ohio-5791, ¶ 52-53; Primeau at ¶ 75; State v. Cooper, 8th Dist. 

Cuyahoga No. 86437, 2006-Ohio-817, ¶ 18. 

Other appellate courts have similarly determined that “some testimony offered by 

[police] officers is lay person witness testimony even though it is based on the 

[officer’s] specialized knowledge.” State v. Johnson, 7th Dist. Jefferson No. 

13JE5, 2014-Ohio-1226, ¶ 57 (detective’s testimony as to gang activity was 

permissible under Evid.R. 701 based on detective’s personal knowledge and 
experience in the field); see also State v. McClain, 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-10-1088, 

2012-Ohio-5264, ¶ 13 (detective’s testimony that quantities of narcotics recovered 

during the execution of the search warrant suggested that they were for sale as 

opposed to personal use was admissible under Evid.R. 701 as lay person opinion 

testimony because his testimony was based on his training and experience); State 

v. Williams, 9th Dist. Summit No. 25716, 2011-Ohio-6604, ¶ 11 (officer’s 

testimony that the location was a methamphetamine lab was proper Evid.R. 701 

testimony because it was based on personal observation from items taken from 

garbage and found in the house). 

State v. Calhoun, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 105442, 2017-Ohio-8488, ¶ 35. 

{¶69} The record in this case reflects that the city properly laid a foundation for Officer 

Svigel’s testimony and her testimony was directly related to the actions she personally undertook 

and her personal, firsthand observations at the scene. Officer Svigel testified that she is a 

member of the Ohio Search Dog Association and that she has a search and rescue canine. 

Officer Svigel explained that she has been trained on heat factors, inside and outside exposure to 

heat, and temperatures inside and outside of a vehicle as they relate to the confinement of a child, 

person, or animal. Officer Svigel asserted that she has previously handled approximately two 

cases involving children being left inside a vehicle in hot weather and approximately seven or 

eight cases involving animals being confined inside a vehicle in hot weather. 

{¶70} Based on her education, training, and experience, she approximated that when it is 

80 to 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a vehicle would be between 118 and 123 degrees 

after a 40-minute time period. (Tr. 96.) Her approximation was based on an American 

Veterinary Medical Association study. She testified that this was a dangerous condition for 

appellant to expose his dogs to and that the dogs suffered from being confined in appellant’s 

vehicle for more than 40 minutes. Aside from the 84-degree temperature, Officer Svigel 

testified the humidity on July 28, 2016, was 74%, with a maximum humidity of 94% for the day. 

 (Tr. 85.) 
{¶71} Officer Svigel testified regarding her observations of appellant’s dogs. She 

explained that the dogs were “panting profusely with very dry, hot tongues.” (Tr. 108.) Based 

on her observations, she believed that the dogs were beginning to become distressed, and that 

they were showing signs of heatstroke or dehydration. Officer Svigel believed that the dogs 

were dehydrated based on “[t]he fact that their tongues were bone dry, and they were sticking 

their faces right up to the glass and not a bit of drool was coming down [the windows], and they 

were panting profusely, which is what dogs do when they are excessively overheated.” (Tr. 

108-109.) She asserted that the dogs’ tongues were dried out and she described the color of 

their tongues as “whiteish” rather than pink. (Tr. 109.) 

{¶72} Officer Svigel testified that she reached her hand into appellant’s vehicle to see if it 

felt warmer inside the vehicle compared to where she was standing outside the vehicle. After 

reaching her hand inside the vehicle, she concluded that “[i]t was significantly warmer where my 

hand was compared to where I was standing outside the vehicle.” (Tr. 95.) On 

cross-examination, defense counsel suggested that it was windy on the day in question. 

However, Officer Svigel asserted that she did not feel any wind circulating into the vehicle when 

she stuck her hand inside. Officer Svigel confirmed that the conditions and observations that 

factored into her decision to arrest appellant were the 84-degree temperature, the duration of the 

confinement, the lack of access to water, and the condition of the dogs. 

{¶73} After review, we find that Officer Svigel’s testimony was based on her own 

personal knowledge and experience as established by the city. Additionally, Officer Svigel’s 

testimony related specifically to her own firsthand observations, her actions on the scene, and 

why she undertook such actions, i.e., reaching her hand inside the vehicle to determine the 

temperature inside where the dogs were confined. Officer Svigel’s testimony was helpful to 
determine a fact in issue — whether appellant was negligent in confining his dogs inside his 

vehicle on July 28, 2016, without access to water and without shelter from heat, and whether the 

dogs could reasonably be expected to become sick or suffer as a result of the deprivation or 

confinement. Accordingly, the trial court neither abused its discretion nor committed plain 

error in allowing Officer Svigel to testify on these matters. 

{¶74} Finally, we note that this was a bench trial. In a bench trial, the trial court is 

presumed to consider only reliable, relevant, and competent evidence in rendering its decision 

unless it affirmatively appears to the contrary. State v. White, 15 Ohio St.2d 146, 151, 239 

N.E.2d 65 (1968). There is nothing in the record before this court indicating that the trial court 

considered improper evidence. Based on the foregoing analysis, we find that Officer Svigel’s 

testimony alone, if believed, was sufficient to support appellant’s conviction for cruelty to 

companion animals. 

{¶75} Second, eyewitnesses Friedman and Sustin also reasonably believed, based on their 

observations, that the dogs would become sick and/or suffer as a result of appellant’s negligence. 

 Friedman described herself as a “dog person” and explained that she has two dogs of her own. 

She testified that she was worried about the dogs because she thought it was too hot outside to 

leave the dogs in the car. She tried to give the dogs water because she thought they were in 

distress and she did not want them to die as a result of being confined in the vehicle. She 

explained that she would have called the police even if the dogs had access to water inside the 

vehicle because she felt that the air was hot enough. Friedman explained that it was cloudy, 

rather than sunny, on July 28, 2016. Nevertheless, she opined that it was “hot enough” to cause 

the dogs to be in distress. 
{¶76} Sustin explained that she is a dog owner. She currently has two dogs and has 

owned eight dogs over the years. She testified that on July 28, 2016, it was very hot outside of 

appellant’s vehicle. She opined that it would have been “extremely uncomfortable” for the dogs 

inside the car due to the heat, the fact that the vehicle’s windows were not rolled all the way 

down, and the air conditioning was not on. Under these circumstances, she considered the 

condition in which the dogs were confined to be dangerous. Sustin opined that the dogs were in 

danger and she was concerned that they were going to die. 

{¶77} Sustin testified that even if the dogs had access to water inside the vehicle, it was 

too hot to confine the dogs inside the vehicle. She explained, “[i]t was too hot in the car water 

or not. You — they say all the time that the heat in a car can fry a dog or a child’s brain 

regardless of whether there’s water there. It was ridiculously hot outside.” (Tr. 70.) She 

confirmed that she thought that the dogs were suffering and in danger as a result of being 

confined in appellant’s vehicle. 

{¶78} Both lay witnesses, Friedman and Sustin, testified as to their observations of the 

dogs and based on those observations, both Friedman and Sustin reasonably believed that the 

dogs were in danger and/or distressed as a result of being confined in appellant’s vehicle. This 

testimony, if believed, is sufficient to support appellant’s conviction. 

{¶79} For all of the foregoing reasons, we find that the trial court properly denied defense 

counsel’s motions for a Crim.R. 29 judgment of acquittal, and appellant’s conviction is 

supported by sufficient evidence. Accordingly, appellant’s fifth assignment of error is 

overruled. 

E. Manifest Weight 
{¶80} In his sixth assignment of error, appellant argues that his conviction for cruelty to 

companion animals is against the manifest weight of the evidence. 

{¶81} In contrast to a sufficiency argument, a manifest weight challenge questions 

whether the state met its burden of persuasion. Bowden, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 92266, 

2009-Ohio-3598, at ¶ 12. A reviewing court “weighs the evidence and all reasonable 

inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses and determines whether in resolving conflicts in 

the evidence, the jury clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of justice that 

the conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered.” Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d at 388, 

678 N.E.2d 541. A conviction should be reversed as against the manifest weight of the 

evidence only in the most “exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the 

conviction.” Id. 

{¶82} Although we review credibility when considering the manifest weight of the 

evidence, we are cognizant that determinations regarding the credibility of witnesses and the 

weight of the testimony are primarily for the trier of fact. State v. Bradley, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga 

No. 97333, 2012-Ohio-2765, ¶ 14, citing State v. DeHass, 10 Ohio St.2d 230, 227 N.E.2d 212 

(1967). The trier of fact is best able “to view the witnesses and observe their demeanor, 

gestures, and voice inflections, and use these observations in weighing the credibility of the 

proffered testimony.” State v. Wilson, 113 Ohio St.3d 382, 2007-Ohio-2202, 865 N.E.2d 1264, 

¶ 24. The jury may take note of any inconsistencies and resolve them accordingly, “believ[ing] 

all, part, or none of a witness’s testimony.” State v. Raver, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 02AP-604, 

2003-Ohio-958, ¶ 21, citing State v. Antill, 176 Ohio St. 61, 67, 197 N.E.2d 548 (1964). 

{¶83} In the instant matter, as noted above, Friedman, Sustin, and Officer Svigel testified 

that the dogs did not have access to water inside the vehicle, they did not hear or see a ventilation 
system operating inside the vehicle, and as a result, they believed that the dogs were suffering 

and in danger as a result of appellant’s negligence. 

{¶84} Appellant, on the other hand, testified that after he purchased his vehicle at the end 

of 2014, he modified it to create a ventilation system, explaining “I set a temperature for the 

system, and if it goes above — if it goes above a temperature fans come on and they pull air in 

from beneath the truck and — and into the truck, into the car.” (Tr. 168.) He testified that he 

created the ventilation system for his dogs and to ensure that they would not overheat. He 

asserted that the ventilation system was in place on July 28, 2016. 

{¶85} Appellant testified that the dogs had access to water inside the vehicle. He 

explained that the cup holders in his truck “are designed to hold two big large cups, are just a 

reservoir sitting there. So I used — I repurposed that for holding water.” (Tr. 219.) 

Appellant asserted that he poured water into the cup holders for the dogs before he left his 

vehicle and went into his appointment. 

{¶86} In addition to appellant’s testimony, Larson, appellant’s wife, testified about the 

ventilation system in appellant’s vehicle. She asserted that appellant always keeps water in the 

vehicle for the dogs. As noted above, Shaughnessy hypothesized that the dogs either had access 

to water inside the vehicle or that the vehicle’s ventilation system was on. 

{¶87} In support of his manifest weight challenge, appellant asserts that “there is simply 

no credible evidence that can be used to prove that [he] was guilty of cruelty to companion 

animals.” Appellant’s brief at 30. He challenges the trial court’s determinations that (1) the 

dogs did not have access to water inside the vehicle, (2) appellant’s vehicle was neither running 

nor remotely started when the dogs were confined, and (3) the ventilation or “cooling” system 

was not operating during the confinement. 
{¶88} First, appellant argues that the trial court’s determination that the dogs did not have 

access to water inside the vehicle is against the manifest weight of the evidence. Regarding 

Officer Svigel’s testimony that she did not observe any water inside the vehicle, appellant argues 

that she was only looking for a bowl or saucer of water, and that she did not know that appellant 

left water for the dogs inside the vehicle’s cup holders, nor look to see whether there was, in fact, 

water inside the cup holders. 

{¶89} Appellant contends that the evidence presented at trial demonstrated that the dogs 

were not dehydrated. In support of this argument, appellant asserts that both Shaughnessy and 

Larson testified that the dogs’ dried out tongues did not indicate that the dogs were dehydrated. 

He further suggests that if the dogs were, in fact, dehydrated, they would have attempted to break 

through the windows when Sustin attempted to provide water to them through the cracked 

windows. 

{¶90} Second, regarding the trial court’s finding that appellant’s vehicle was neither 

running nor remotely started while the dogs were confined inside, appellant argues that this 

finding is insignificant. Appellant asserts that he had the ventilation system in the vehicle, 

which operated even if the vehicle was not on, and that Shaughnessy opined that the ventilation 

system could keep the dogs safe. 

{¶91} Third, regarding the trial court’s finding that the ventilation system was not 

operating while the dogs were confined, appellant argues that the city’s witnesses could not have 

heard the ventilation system from outside the vehicle when the doors were closed. In support of 

this argument, he emphasizes that Shaughnessy described the sound of the ventilation system as a 

quiet, humming noise. He further argues that there was no credible evidence regarding the 
temperature inside the vehicle, and that Officer Svigel did not inspect the inside of his vehicle 

nor the ventilation system he installed. 

{¶92} Finally, appellant argues that the trial court disregarded the testimony of Larson. 

Larson testified that she was in the canine unit in the Army. Furthermore, she is a preveterinary 

student, she works as an intern with a veterinarian, and she volunteers at the Cuyahoga County 

Animal Shelter. 

{¶93} Larson testified that she told appellant to leave the dogs in his car during his 

appointment on July 28, 2016, because she knew about the ventilation system in his car and she 

knew that he always keeps water in the car. Larson believed that the dogs were “100% safe” in 

the car. (Tr. 207.) 

{¶94} Larson went to the police station after receiving a call from appellant. Thereafter, 

she took the dogs to the veterinarian to make sure that they were okay. However, she explained 

that she did not believe that the dogs were suffering in any way. Larson asserted that she knows 

the symptoms to look for that indicate a dog is suffering from heat exposure. She explained that 

heatstroke could cause vomiting and dizziness, thick saliva, and a red tongue. 

{¶95} On cross-examination, Larson testified that she put the dogs in appellant’s vehicle 

before appellant left for work in the morning on July 28, 2016. However, she acknowledged 

that several hours had elapsed between the time that she put the dogs inside appellant’s vehicle in 

the morning and the time that the police officers escorted appellant and his dogs to appellant’s 

house. 

{¶96} Larson was not present when appellant arrived at his house with the dogs and the 

police officers. She testified that the dogs were at appellant’s house for approximately two 

hours before she saw them after the incident and took them to the veterinarian’s office. During 
this two-hour time period during which the dogs were at appellant’s house, the dogs had access 

to water. The dogs also had access to water between the time that they were confined in 

appellant’s vehicle and the time that Larson took them to the veterinarian’s office. 

{¶97} Larson acknowledged that she was not present with appellant when he went to his 

appointment. She was not in the vehicle and did not see the vehicle at any time in the afternoon 

on July 28, 2016. Larson had no direct knowledge regarding the conditions inside appellant’s 

vehicle at the time the police were called to the scene. Specifically, Larson had no direct 

knowledge regarding whether the dogs had access to water when they were confined in the 

vehicle during appellant’s appointment, or whether the ventilation system in appellant’s vehicle 

was, in fact, operating. 

{¶98} After reviewing the record in this case, we cannot say that this is “an exceptional 

case” in which the trial court clearly lost its way and created such a manifest miscarriage of 

justice that appellant’s cruelty to companion animals conviction was against the manifest weight 

of the evidence. Thompkins, 78 Ohio St.3d at 387, 678 N.E.2d 541. First, Friedman, Sustin, 

and Officer Svigel all testified that they did not observe any water inside the vehicle. This 

testimony is supported by Officer Svigel’s observation that the dogs’ tongues were “bone dry.” 

While it is conceivable that (1) there was water in the vehicle’s cup holders and (2) the witnesses 

were unable to observe this water supply from outside the vehicle, the witnesses did not observe 

the dogs drinking water during the 40-minute period of time that they were on the scene. 

{¶99} Second, Friedman and Sustin testified that they did not hear any sounds or fan 

noises inside appellant’s vehicle. While it is conceivable that these witnesses were unable to 

hear the ventilation system, Officer Svigel testified that the temperature inside the vehicle was 

significantly hotter than the temperature outside, and that she did not feel any wind circulating 
into the vehicle. Officer Svigel approximated that the temperature inside the vehicle was 

between 118 and 123 degrees. Had the ventilation system been working, the temperature inside 

the vehicle should have been cooler than the temperature outside. 

{¶100} The defense’s theory of the case was that the dogs had access to water inside the 

vehicle, and thus, appellant did not deprive them of water, and that the vehicle’s ventilation 

system protected the dogs from the heat. On the other hand, the city’s theory of the case was 

that appellant negligently deprived the dogs of water and confined them in his vehicle without 

sheltering the dogs from the heat, and that it could reasonably be expected that the dogs would 

become sick or suffer as a result of appellant’s negligence. Appellant’s conviction is not 

against the manifest weight of the evidence simply because the trial court chose to believe the 

city’s version of the events rather than appellant’s. See State v. Adhikari, 2017-Ohio-460, 84 

N.E.3d 282, ¶ 55 (8th Dist.). 

{¶101} The trial court, as the trier of fact, was in the best position to weigh the credibility 

of the witnesses. Although appellant relies heavily on the testimony of Shaughnessy and Larson 

in support of his manifest weight challenge, these witnesses were not present at the scene, they 

did not observe the dogs firsthand while they were confined in appellant’s vehicle, and they had 

no firsthand knowledge regarding the conditions under which the dogs were confined. The trial 

court was free to find — and clearly did find — the testimony of the city’s witnesses to be more 

credible than the testimony of appellant, Shaughnessy, and Larson. 

{¶102} Based on the foregoing analysis, appellant’s sixth assignment of error is 

overruled. 

F. Sentence
{¶103} In his second assignment of error, appellant argues that the trial court erred by 

imposing a sentence of inactive probation in its sentencing judgment entry without imposing the 

sentence in open court during the April 3, 2017 sentencing hearing. 

{¶104} It is axiomatic that a criminal defendant has a fundamental right to be present at 

all critical stages of his criminal trial, including the imposition of sentence. State v. Taylor, 8th 

Dist. Cuyahoga No. 104243, 2017-Ohio-9270, ¶ 3, citing Section 10, Article I, Ohio 

Constitution, Crim.R. 43(A), and State v. Hale, 119 Ohio St.3d 118, 2008-Ohio-3426, 892 

N.E.2d 864. 

“A trial court cannot impose a sentence in the sentencing entry that differs from 

that it imposed at the sentencing hearing.” State v. Vaughn, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga 

No. 103330, 2016-Ohio-3320, ¶ 18; see also State v. West, 9th Dist. Summit No. 

27485, 2015-Ohio-2936, ¶ 49-52 (matter remanded for resentencing where trial 

court sentenced defendant on drug paraphernalia count in sentencing journal entry 

after trial court failed to address that count at sentencing hearing); State v. 

Jackson, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-140178, 2014-Ohio-5008, ¶ 22 (“a trial court’s 

sentence is contrary to law when it imposes a sentence in the sentencing entry 

different from the sentence announced at the sentencing hearing”)[.]

State v. Alvelo, 2017-Ohio-742, 85 N.E.3d 1032, ¶ 35 (8th Dist.). 

{¶105} In Cleveland v. Clemons, 90 Ohio App.3d 212, 628 N.E.2d 141 (8th Dist.1993), 

this court held that the trial court committed reversible error by imposing an additional condition 

of probation outside of the defendant’s presence. Id. at 214. The additional condition required 

the defendant to submit to random drug testing. This court concluded that Crim.R. 43(A) 

required the trial court to amend the terms of probation in the physical presence of the defendant. 

Id. 

{¶106} In the instant matter, appellant argues that the trial court did not sentence him to 

inactive probation during the sentencing hearing, but the trial court imposed an unspecified term 
of inactive probation in its sentencing judgment entry. On the other hand, the city argues that 

the transcript from the April 3, 2017 sentencing hearing clearly reflects that the trial court 

sentenced appellant to probation, and that the trial court found that appellant did not need to be 

monitored on active probation. 

{¶107} During the sentencing hearing, the prosecutor conceded that appellant loves and 

takes excellent care of his dogs. The prosecutor stated that he believes “there’s no issue or need 

for dog education” and that he had full confidence that there would not be any incidents 

involving appellant’s dogs in the future. Defense counsel advised the trial court that appellant 

prayed for leniency and opined that a fine would be an adequate sentence. Defense counsel 

explained, “I don’t believe that [appellant] is an individual who needs to be monitored on 

probation.” (Tr. 293.) 

{¶108} The trial court agreed with the prosecutor’s and defense counsel’s statements. 

The trial court imposed the following sentence: 

I am going to suspend $300 of the $500 fine on condition that in the next 12 

months there are no further dog charges. And I am also staying the sentence to 

indicate sentence to be appealed or fines and costs paid within 30 days. So that 

will allow you and [defense counsel] to discuss what will happen next. But in 

essence, it’s [$]200 and costs, all right. 

(Tr. 293-294.) 

{¶109} The trial court placed appellant on inactive probation in its April 3, 2017 

sentencing judgment entry. The sentencing judgment entry provides, in relevant part, 

“[s]uspension of $300 of fine * * * on condition that there are no further similar type convictions 

during the probation period and that defendant successfully complies with all of the conditions of 

probation including paying fines and costs as ordered.” (Emphasis added.) There is a 
handwritten note stating that $300 of the fine is suspended on the condition that there are “no 

other dog violations.” 

{¶110} After reviewing the record, we find that the trial court did not sentence appellant 

to inactive probation during the sentencing hearing. The trial court made no mention of 

probation — either active monitoring or inactive — during the sentencing hearing, much less 

impose a sentence of inactive probation. 

{¶111} Although the trial court’s sentencing judgment entry references the “conditions of 

probation,” neither probation nor any conditions thereof were discussed or imposed in open 

court. The only “condition” discussed during the sentencing hearing — that appellant was not 

charged with any dog offenses in the next year — pertained to the suspension of $300 of the 

$500 fine, not a sentence of probation. 

{¶112} We further find that a sentence of inactive probation cannot be implied from the 

trial court’s conditionally suspended fine. Nor can a sentence of inactive probation be implied 

from the trial court’s statement that it agreed with defense counsel’s assertion that appellant did 

not need to be monitored on probation. Defense counsel did not argue that a sentence of 

inactive probation would be more appropriate than a sentence of active probation — counsel 

opined that it was not necessary to sentence appellant to probation and that a fine, rather than 

probation, was an appropriate sentence. 

{¶113} Based on the foregoing analysis, appellant’s second assignment of error is 

sustained. The imposition of inactive probation is vacated. 
III. Conclusion 

{¶114} After thoroughly reviewing the record, we affirm appellant’s conviction for 

cruelty to companion animals. Appellant failed to demonstrate that he was prejudicially misled 

as a result of the numerical errors in the complaint and the trial court’s March 3, 2017 judgment 

entry regarding the subsection of the cruelty to companion animals offense with which appellant 

was charged and convicted. The trial court did not presume that appellant was guilty based on 

the statements he made to Officer Svigel in the parking lot, and appellant’s Fifth Amendment 

privilege against self-incrimination was not violated. The trial court did not arbitrarily disregard 

Shaughnessy’s expert testimony. Appellant’s conviction is supported by sufficient evidence 

and is not against the manifest weight of the evidence. 

{¶115} The trial court erred by sentencing appellant to inactive probation in its sentencing 

judgment entry without imposing the probation sentence in open court during the sentencing 

hearing. Accordingly, the imposition of inactive probation is vacated. 

{¶116} The trial court’s March 3, 2017 judgment entry erroneously states that appellant 

was charged with violating B.C.O. 618.051(c)(2). Furthermore, the trial court’s April 3, 2017 

sentencing judgment entry erroneously states that appellant was charged with “cruelty to 

animals” rather than cruelty to companion animals. Accordingly, we remand this case to the 

trial court for the limited purpose of issuing nunc pro tunc judgment entries that accurately reflect 

the offense with which appellant was charged and convicted. 

{¶117} Judgment affirmed in part; vacated in part; and remanded for further proceedings 

consistent with this opinion. 

It is ordered that appellee and appellant share the costs herein taxed. 

The court finds there were reasonable grounds for this appeal. 
It is ordered that a special mandate issue out of this court directing the Shaker Heights 

Municipal Court to carry this judgment into execution. 

A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to Rule 27 of the 

Rules of Appellate Procedure. 

FRANK D. CELEBREZZE, JR., JUDGE 

EILEEN A. GALLAGHER, A.J., and 

TIM McCORMACK, J., CONCUR