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Man Accused of Animal Abuse Claims He Won't Appear in Court

Updated: Monday, February 24 2014, 08:09 PM EST
COLUMBUS (Lisa Rantala) -- A dog breeder accused of abusing his 19 animals and allowing two dogs to freeze to death in his backyard tells ABC 6/FOX 28 that he will not go to court to face charges.

Terry Hicks with Hundred Proof Kennels skipped his court hearing last week on 15 different counts in the case.  In an exclusive interview, Hicks says he knows a warrant has been issued for his arrest but he’ll stay out of town since he’s been receiving death threats.

"I've been receiving threats of people killing me, chaining me out in the snow," Hicks said by phone, since he refused to give his location.  “I'm not in the state of Ohio.”

Last month, agents with Capital Area Humane Society showed at least one of the dogs in which an outline of her rib spine could be seen through her fur.  Agents say the dogs had severe infections, bite marks, broken teeth and some were 40% underweight. They say four had to be euthanized due to their medical conditions.

Hicks said he only had four hours a day to care for the dogs but maintain they were being fed and had proper medical care.  Once he’s settled into his new home, he tells ABC 6/FOX 28 he will likely be showing dogs again.

Prosecutors believe Hicks is still in the area and want the public to be on the lookout.