Court Resolves Back to Eden Animal Cruelty Case
Information from the Miami County Commissioners
TROY — The Miami County Animal Shelter (MCAS) is announcing the court resolution of an animal cruelty case involving Destinee C. Javier, owner and operator of Back to Eden Animal Boarding in Monroe Township. On September 15, 2026, Javier pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty and agreed to close the boarding facility for five years as part of a court-approved plea agreement.
The case originated from an April 1, 2026 investigation after MCAS was notified that a dog being boarded at the facility had been attacked and killed by two other dogs that escaped from their kennel. During the investigation, MCAS officers documented damaged areas and holes in the kennel fencing, including an opening between the kennel housing the two attacking dogs and the kennel where the deceased dog, Hank, had been housed. A subsequent necropsy determined that Hank died from severe traumatic injuries consistent with a dog attack.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Javier pleaded guilty to one charge of animal cruelty and agreed to close her boarding facility for five years. After that period, she must obtain court approval before opening another boarding facility. She was also ordered to pay a $50 fine and court costs.
The agreement further provides that the prosecution will not pursue additional charges arising from the September 12, 2026 investigation, provided the terms of the agreement are followed. Javier agreed to surrender Thor, the Great Pyrenees seized by MCAS during that investigation, and was given until September 25, 2026, to have Icelyn, another Great Pyrenees at the property, professionally groomed.
The September 12 investigation began after MCAS received an anonymous complaint concerning two Great Pyrenees being kept outside in the rain. During the inspection, MCAS Animal Control Officer Abbie Daugherty observed multiple dogs inside the boarding facility, with several dogs lacking readily available food and/or water. The two Great Pyrenees were observed outside in a play yard. Icelyn was found lying in a hole she had dug next to the building and underneath a roof overhang, apparently using the area for shelter from the rain. A nearby bucket of water appeared green and stagnant. MCAS also observed significant matting on both Great Pyrenees. Due to the severity of Thor’s condition, he was seized by MCAS.
MCAS Director Rob Craft stated: “Our responsibility is to protect the welfare of animals in Miami County and to enforce the laws that are in place to protect them. Boarding facilities take on a special responsibility because people are entrusting their animals to someone else for their care. When an animal is left in someone’s care, that animal deserves appropriate food, water, shelter, veterinary care and safe housing.”
Craft added: “We appreciate the court’s consideration of this case and the agreement requiring the boarding facility to remain closed for five years. Our primary concern throughout these investigations has been the welfare and safety of the animals involved.”
The Miami County Animal Shelter encourages pet owners to carefully research boarding facilities before leaving their animals in someone else’s care. Owners should ask to see where their pets will be housed, inquire about supervision and emergency procedures, and make sure they understand the facility’s policies and requirements.
