WRIC Newsroom – HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A woman is facing charges after Hanover County authorities rescued nearly 70 dogs from ‘unhealthy living conditions.'
33-year-old Stephanie Saunders has been charged with five counts of animal cruelty, five counts of providing inadequate care to animals and one count of sale of an unweaned animal (selling a puppy too young). All of these charges are misdemeanors.
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She is currently incarcerated at Pamunkey Regional Jail with a $3,500 bond.
Many of the 68 dogs rescued, which included 34 puppies, were malnourished and had visible wounds.
The dogs are now being housed at the Hanover Animal Control Center, where wardens say they are working make sure all of them are healthy.
The dogs aren't available for adoption right now, and likely won't be until the case can work its way through the court system.
The Hanover Animal Control shelter is asking for donations since the dogs will likely be housed for several months before they are available for adoption.
They mainly need:
- Dry dog and cat food
- Canned dog and cat food
- Towels, sheets, blankets, and soft mats
- Newspaper (bundled)
- Raw hides and other chew treats
- New or used collars and leashes
- Grooming brushes and shampoo
- Cat litter
- Animal beds
- Formula for young kittens and puppies
- Kurdanda bed
Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff's Office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637 (CRIMES), using the keyword "iTip" followed by their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous, and can result in a reward of up to $1,000.