HANOVER COUNTY, Va. – Officials said the 68 dogs rescued from a Hanover home Tuesday over concerns about unhealthy conditions was the largest dog seizure in the county’s history.
The Hanover Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for a home in the 17000 block of Connie Hall Road in Montpelier.
“We’ve never seen something like this magnitude, ” Sgt. James Cooper said. “I don’t want to go into detail because it was pretty bad. I would say the conditions were extremely unhealthy, which is why we felt the need to rescue them”
A concerned citizen tipped off deputies after witnessing the deplorable conditions at the home.
“The call we received was from a citizen who purchased one of the dogs from the owners,” Sgt. Cooper said.
Cooper said the owners are licensed to run a kennel and the dogs were up to date on their rabies shots. The dogs rescued were mostly Labrador, Golden Retriever, Saint Bernard, and Boxer puppies.
The dogs were found in the back yard, front porch, and inside the home, according to detectives. The canines were taken to various animal shelters for safekeeping and veterinary care.
“It does tug at your heartstrings seeing 68 dogs living in unhealthy conditions,” Cooper said. “It makes you feel better knowing they’re in a safe place right now receiving the care they deserve.”
Hanover County Animal Control, in conjunction with the sheriff’s office, is coordinating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to determine charges against the owners of the canines.
Because of the large intake in dogs, the Hanover County Animal Shelter is now at capacity and is seeking donations. Their webpage has a list of items needed to care for the dogs.
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.
