A protest sparked by animal cruelty charges took place outside the Van Wert Court House on Thursday. Kirsten Barnhart organized the protest for her step-brother’s dog, Carl. It’s alleged, Elisha “Jake” Secrist, took Carl from inside the home, tied him up and beat him over the head with a rock. Secrist has been charged with cruelty to companion animals, a fifth degree felony or the lowest form of a felony.