MARTINSVILLE, Va. – UPDATE
Charges have been dropped against one of the owners after more than 100 dogs were found living in unsafe conditions last week.
As previously reported, rescue groups have been working to find new homes for the dogs after their owners were charged with animal cruelty and other offenses.
One owner has since been cleared of the charges due to a “cognitive decline.”
The other owner, Mario Hardy, is scheduled to appear in Henry General District Court for arraignment on Dec. 5. He faces 10 counts related to inadequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, as well as one count of animal cruelty.
ORIGINAL STORY
A couple has been charged with multiple counts of inadequate care of an animal and a count of animal cruelty after the rescue of 106 dogs from neglectful and unsafe living conditions in Henry County on Friday, Henry County Sheriff’s Office said.
HCSO said around 2:15 p.m. on Friday, the HCSO Animal Services Unit conducted a welfare check on the animals and occupants of a residence on the 100 block of Winnie Lane.
Authorities said that upon arrival, a large number of dogs were found outside the residence, both in kennels and within a fenced area. Deputies then proceeded to conduct a welfare assessment inside the building.
Once inside, deputies found “extremely hazardous and unsanitary living conditions.” They said large amounts of animal feces and urine soiled much of the floor, presenting a serious health and safety concern for both the animals and the individuals in the home. As a result, the deputies determined the animals required immediate removal.
“We don’t believe they set out with the intent to mistreat the animals,” Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis told 10 News. “And just for lack of better terms, their love for animals resulted in a hoarding situation that caused it was not safe for the dogs and or the home.”
The HCSO Animal Services Unit was assisted by the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA and the Henry County Animal Shelter in capturing, removing, and transporting the dogs from the home. The operation lasted from Friday afternoon into around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday. The owner voluntarily surrendered the animals.
Authorities said 106 dogs of varying breeds and ages were taken from the area.
Due to the sheer number of seized dogs, the Henry County Animal Shelter is unable to house all the animals, so the following organizations around the commonwealth assisted with their intake, evaluation, and placement:
- Old Dominion Humane Society
- Lynchburg Humane Society
- Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA
- They Rescue Us Rescue
- Operation Paws for Homes
- Daisy’s Legacy
- Remy’s Reign
- Doggone Happy Rescue
Authorities thanked the organizations for their support, as well as all others who helped in ensuring the care these animals deserve.
“This was one of the largest animal rescue operations our agency has ever undertaken. I am extremely proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by our deputies, animal services staff, and every partnering rescue organization. Their teamwork ensured that more than one hundred animals were removed safely and humanely. We are sincerely grateful for the assistance provided by our community partners and volunteers.”
Sheriff Wayne Davis
The couple is set to appear in court on the misdemeanor charges in January. We will update you with more information as it becomes available.