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Animals ‘vanish’ from Hanover farm

Posted at 12:52 PM, Nov 13, 2013
and last updated 2013-11-13 18:18:58-05

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) -- The family that owns the Hanover Plant and Vegetable Farm in Ashland has offered a $250 reward after between 30 and 50 animals disappeared from their Ashland Rd. farm.

"It's sad, because we don't know what happened to them," farm owner Luis Martinez said. "I got a call from my sister who said all the animals are gone. It's disappointing."

Martinez said thieves stole chickens, rabbits, ducks, peacocks and a turkey sometime Saturday night. He said bigger animals like horses and cows were not taken.

In addition to the reward money, the family hopes security camera video helps identify the people who took their animals.

Joanie Pond, who owns Winterberry Alpaca farm in Ashland not far from where the animals were stolen, said security is a top priority. In fact, sturdy metal gates and large guard dogs help protect her investment.

"We made a lot of effort to secure the farm because of the value of the animals," said Pond. "I'm sure that is what is going through the owner's minds after you take care of something and it is gone."

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Hanover Sheriff's Office at 804-365-6110 or the farm at 804-752-2334.