Inside Michael Ohern's Animal Cruelty Case: What's Next?

Bond was set at $100,000 cash Wednesday for the 70-year-old Cheyenne man at the center of a massive animal cruelty case.

RELATED: Shocking Animal Cruelty Case Unfolds in Cheyenne

Michael Patrick Ohern appeared in Laramie County Circuit Court in front of Judge Antoinette Williams on 22 felony charges alleging on or between Aug. 1 and Oct. 10, cruelty to animals resulting in death.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.

Get our free mobile app

The Arrest

Ohern was arrested on Friday, Oct. 10, after members of Animal Control, Cheyenne Compliance Department Code Enforcement, and detectives from the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at his residence in the 200 block of H Bar E Drive and seized more than 100 animals, 22 of which were dead.

Cheyenne Animal Shelter via Facebook

The surviving animals, many of whom were found injured, sick, and severely neglected, were taken to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter for urgent care and rehabilitation.

RELATED: Cheyenne Shelter Takes in Over 75 Animals From Dire Situation

Preliminary Hearing & Bond Set

Williams told Ohern he didn't qualify for a public defender and needed to hire his own attorney, and his preliminary hearing was set for Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 2:15 p.m.

Williams then asked for the state's position regarding bond.

Due to the number of animals, the weight of evidence, and Ohern's prior related history, including a 2022 case in which approximately 50 animals were seized and subsequently surrendered to the shelter, the state requested a $100,000 cash bond.

Impounding and Forfeiture Hearing

County Attorney Mark Voss also appeared alongside the state to ask about an impounding and forfeiture hearing to set a bond to provide for the animals' impoundment for at least 90 days.

"We did a rough calculation on this based on average cost per animal, and there are about 110 animals of different sorts, dogs, cats, goats, and some birds, we came up with a figure of about $350,000," said Voss.

"The condition of the residence, it is really not suitable for human habitation," he added. "I'm having our building code folks look at it, environmental health, and hopefully they'll red tag the building because it really is not safe for people to be living in there, yet alone animals."

"This isn't an issue that this court has dealt with before," said Williams. "I'll go ahead and set the bond at $100,000 cash ... based on the nature of the offense ... The court is finding that there are extraordinary circumstances and I'll go ahead and appoint the public defender's office."

"You will be receiving notice of a second hearing where the county attorney's office is seeking the forfeiture of the animals," Williams told Ohern. "That hearing is civil in nature and so you will have to hire your own attorney for that proceeding. Your public defender only applies to your criminal case."

Please remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state

Because the regulation of exotic animals is left to states, some organizations, including The Humane Society of the United States, advocate for federal, standardized legislation that would ban owning large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes as pets.

Read on to see which pets are banned in your home state, as well as across the nation.

Gallery Credit: Elena Kadvany

Protect Your Pets: Toxic Fall Plants to Watch Out For

As the seasons change, so do the plants in and around our homes, and some popular fall favorites can be dangerous for pets. This gallery highlights six common autumn plants that are toxic to cats and dogs. Knowing what to watch out for can help you keep your furry friends safe while still enjoying the beauty of fall. Scroll through to learn which plants to avoid and what symptoms to look for if your pet gets curious.