ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va. — About 44 animals were seized from a home Wednesday night in on Smiths Neck Road in the Carrollton area of Isle of Wight County.
The seizure was the result of an executed search warrant following multiple tips of animal breeding, selling, and welfare concerns, according to a news release from the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office,
Alecia Paul, with the Isle of Wight's Sheriff's Office, said when law enforcement arrived, they found the animals in extremely poor living conditions.
"They had very minimal food, if any food at all. They had dirty water, if there was water there for them at all," Paul said. "They had shelter that had no padding. They were sleeping on rocks."
The deputies and animal control officers said they spent hours removing various dog breeds, ranging from Yorkies to Toy Poodles to Dobermans to Wolf Hybrids, as well as four miniature horses and one adult horse.
All the animals were found looking very thin and residing in sparse living conditions. Paul said veterinarians are testing several of the dogs for parasitic infections, and the mini horses had trouble walking.
"Their hooves had been so outgrown that it was painful for them," Paul said. "It was very sad to see."
Within the next 10 days, a custody hearing will take place to waive ownership of the animals. Charges are expected to be filed following the conclusion of the hearing.
For now, the Isle of Wight's Animal Services building is closed through Friday. Paul said visitors can come back next Monday, as the staff has its hands full with the sudden influx.
"The shelter is closed today and tomorrow. We are already at capacity with our shelter for animals that we already had, and then the addition of this many animals, it's just too much," Paul said. "While 40 animals may not sound like a lot, it is on top of what staff was already doing."
Instead of going to the animal services building while it's closed, Paul said one of the best ways to help is to make a donation to The Oaks Veterinary Clinic. The providers will match your donation of $1 with their $1.
Animal services is also looking for more volunteers and fosters. You can give them a call beginning on July 29 if you are interested.
