VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The owners of Blue Dog Pet Grooming in Virginia Beach pleaded guilty Monday to 15 criminal charges of not providing adequate care for their pets.
This is the result of a January 17 incident, after officers with the Virginia Beach Animal Control seized four dogs from Vicki and Jeffrey Piva. The couple also surrendered 12 puppies, three birds, and one tortoise.
Under the plea agreement, the Pivas agreed to not own or possess another pet for two years, except for the four dogs that will be returned to them Tuesday.
Additionally, Virginia Beach Animal Control will be able to search their home or businesses once a month for two years.
Vicki Piva released the following statement in response:
“After careful consideration, I chose to enter into a plea agreement with the Commonwealth in order to retain possession of our four family dogs. If you know me, you know my love for dogs has no bounds. I think of them the same as my two-legged family members. In this circumstance, I became overwhelmed with health issues, the demands of my successful business, and three momma dogs that had a total of nine puppies in my home.," she wrote.
"To clarify, the criminal charges did not stem from any cruelty to my personal dogs or dogs being cared for at my business, Blue Dog Pet Grooming. I fully cooperated with the investigation and will ensure proper welfare for my dogs at home and at my business. Thank you for your understanding in this difficult time. We hope you will continue to allow us to love and care for your dogs in the future."
