June 6, 2005
A massive case of animal neglect in Scottsville is under investigation. About two weeks ago, Albemarle Police got a tip that almost forty dogs were being hoarded in a house, in very bad conditions. Then the police called the SPCA this weekend to let them know about a very large delivery.
"Animal control officers with our agency discovered over thirty dogs that were in varying states of neglect," explained Sgt. Peter Mainzer from Albemarle P.D.
After further investigation, animal control decided to return to the home off Hatton Ferry Road and rescue a total of 33 puppies and dogs from the home.
The dogs were taken to the SPCA in Charlottesville where they are now being treated for a number of diseases.
"They have a very contagious skin infection, very crusty eyes, scabs on the skin, mostly from the mange," described Susan Kogut, executive director of the SPCA. "At least one or two of the dogs has pneumonia," she added.
When they take in animals, the SPCA treats animals' medical conditions, as well as giving them all their vaccinations.
Over twenty of the dogs will be healthy and ready to be adopted, some even within a week. Others had to be euthanized because they weren't used to being around people.
"We were just unable to handle a number of the dogs, and they were very aggressive. And the ones that are very aggressive we will have to euthanize. We wouldn't be able to place those with the public. It just would be a safety issue," she said.
No charges have been filed against the owner of the dogs, but police are still investigating. The owner is currently in jail for unrelated charges. Animal neglect is a misdemeanor.
The SPCA was full when they received these animals, so now they are at fifty percent over capacity. Kogut said they need people to adopt or foster the healthy animals to make room for the others.
If you are interested in helping the SPCA, please call (434) 975-5696.
Over Thirty Neglected Dogs Rescued 