Bond for suspect in animal cruelty case

By Linda Cicoira

A Delaware man accused of four misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty in connection with a 2024 case described as the sickening story of 35 dogs, starved, thirsty, used for breeding, and kept in cages that were not cleaned, causing them to wallow in their excrement, was given a $5,000 secured bond Tuesday in Northampton Circuit Court.

A defense lawyer for 37-year-old Joshua Payne, of Newark, said his client was not aware of “how bad the things were” when he loaned or gave his stud and three puppies to 43-year-old Tyrone Tyweise Onley, of Jamesville.

“The dogs were kept in various kennels stacked on top of each other” on Onley’s property, said Commonwealth’s Attorney Jack Thornton. Some had sores that were “very aggressive due to the abuse.” Some had to be “put down” because their condition was so severe, he added.

The dogs, two cats, and four snakes were seized after a foul odor was reported coming from Onley’s home, Thornton said. The sheriff’s office then obtained a search warrant and found deplorable conditions for the animals in the house, yard, and a trailer. One officer became so overcome by the “disgusting” scene that he vomited, Thornton said. The breeding operation was for “bully” dogs, the prosecutor added.

In March, Onley pleaded guilty to 10 charges of animal cruelty and was ordered to serve 60 days of active time in jail. His daughter, 25-year-old Tamica Tashay Gunter, pleaded guilty to one charge. She was considered culpable because she lived in the house with her father. She was given a suspended 12-month term.

Payne said he gave the stud and puppies to Onley because he was getting out of the dog breeding business. A trial date has not yet been set.