Arraignment postponed in animal torture case
By Kat Russell, Reporter
The Paducah Sun
February 23, 2015
http://www.paducahsun.com/news/local/022415_PS_Animal_Torture
WICKLIFFE, Ky. — The arraignment of a Ballard County man accused of animal torture was postponed Monday due to his defense attorney having been hospitalized Friday.
Paducah attorney Jeremy Ian Smith was taken to a hospital Friday after he slipped on the ice and hit his head. He was released the same day and returned to work Monday but is not yet able to drive.
Edward Ream, 67, was cited and released after Ballard County authorities allegedly found food soaking in what they believed to be antifreeze on Feb. 6.
Shortly thereafter he was placed on administrative leave from his job as Ballard County school bus driver while the school system conducts its own investigation, according to spokeswoman Julie Thomas.
During their investigation, authorities allegedly found four containers of meat soaking in a green substance believed to be antifreeze at Ream's North Adkins Dixon Road home. A half-empty gallon jug of antifreeze was also found during their search, according to Ballard County animal control officer James Campbell.
The search was initiated after authorities received an anonymous tip.
Campbell said animal control has been investigating area dog deaths for more than three years and found that between 15 and 20 dogs have died during that time. Five were confirmed to have been poisoned with antifreeze.
The issue of animal torture has been an emotional one in the county, said County Attorney Vicki Hayden. The fact that Ream was cited rather than arrested has triggered public outcry.
Hayden also said animal control officials are investigating previous complaints against Ream and that she expects more charges will be filed.
Ream's arraignment has been rescheduled for 9 a.m. March 9 in Ballard District Court.
Contact Kat Russell, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8653.
Paducah attorney Jeremy Ian Smith was taken to a hospital Friday after he slipped on the ice and hit his head. He was released the same day and returned to work Monday but is not yet able to drive.
Edward Ream, 67, was cited and released after Ballard County authorities allegedly found food soaking in what they believed to be antifreeze on Feb. 6.
Shortly thereafter he was placed on administrative leave from his job as Ballard County school bus driver while the school system conducts its own investigation, according to spokeswoman Julie Thomas.
During their investigation, authorities allegedly found four containers of meat soaking in a green substance believed to be antifreeze at Ream's North Adkins Dixon Road home. A half-empty gallon jug of antifreeze was also found during their search, according to Ballard County animal control officer James Campbell.
The search was initiated after authorities received an anonymous tip.
Campbell said animal control has been investigating area dog deaths for more than three years and found that between 15 and 20 dogs have died during that time. Five were confirmed to have been poisoned with antifreeze.
The issue of animal torture has been an emotional one in the county, said County Attorney Vicki Hayden. The fact that Ream was cited rather than arrested has triggered public outcry.
Hayden also said animal control officials are investigating previous complaints against Ream and that she expects more charges will be filed.
Ream's arraignment has been rescheduled for 9 a.m. March 9 in Ballard District Court.
Contact Kat Russell, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8653.
