Animal Control Works to Find Homes for Slain Woman's Animals

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Updated: 9:35 AM Jan 30, 2012

Nelson County Animal Control has begun collecting cats and dogs from the property of Amy Holden, the Nelson County woman found murdered in her home last month. Now the organization is working to find homes for the pets, so they do not get put down.

Posted: 7:04 PM Jan 29, 2012
Reporter: Bailey Disselkoen
Email Address: bailey.disselkoen@newsplex.com

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January 29, 2011

Amy Holden was found murdered in her home on Ball Mountain Road on Dec. 14. Last week, Nelson County Animal Control began collecting 24 animals - twenty cats and four dogs - from her property.

"Amy loved her animals very much. They were very well cared for," said Sandy Solar, with animal control.

Now, the organization is working to find homes for the animals so they do not get put down.

"Unfortunately, if we do not find them homes they will have to be euthanized because space is limited," said Bette Grahame, President of the Nelson County SPCA.

While there is room for the dogs, Grahame says they don't have room to take in more cats on top of the 100 that are already in the shelter.

"There are cats everywhere. I think the cat problem is worse than the dog population problem," said Grahame, who added that cats breed three times a year.

According to court documents, Francis Quiros, 39, admitted to an investigator that he killed Holden. When authorities arrived at the home near the small community of Elma, they found her body in the living room. Now they're trying to find people to take care of her pets.

While the animals are able to stay at animal control for the time being, Grahame says that is not a long term solution. "It just seems when they have already been spayed and neutered and well cared for, it is such a shame not to keep them alive," she said.

Two of the dogs and one of the cats have already found a home, and members of the SPCA and animal control are hoping to find homes for the rest.

"The animals have been through quite a bit. They came from a a very loving home, so it is always good to return them to that environment," said Solar.

If you would like to adopt an animal, contact animal control at 434-263-7047.

Quiros is being held without bond and will have a preliminary hearing on Feb. 22.

Latest Comments

Posted by: So sad on Jan 30, 2012 at 12:55 PM

If more people had been responsible pet owners like Amy and had their cats spayed and neutered, then the SPCA would not have this kind of predicament where the cat population is greater than their resources.

Posted by: Greg Location: Gordonsville on Jan 30, 2012 at 09:42 AM

"It just seems when they have already been spayed and neutered and well cared for, it is such a shame not to keep them alive," said Grahame.". Wow, look at all the logic in that statement. The SPCA: killing well cared for animals since 1824. My suggestion to the SPCA? Work out an arrangement with the local no-kill shelters like a Caring For Creatures or Rikki's Refuge. Or any shelter that isn't cruel to animals like the SPCA is. Sorry cats, the wrong shelter got a hold to you...

Posted by: Antoinette on Jan 30, 2012 at 12:58 AM

I worked with Amy for over a year a good CNA caring person. She would often bring kittens to work cause the mother would not feed. We arranged our breaks so that the kittens would get feed and the people we took care of were not neglected. I wish the family many prayers. I want a dog and a cat so I know I will cal the SPCA Did they say why this happened, I have been away.

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