WCSO reminds us that legally we must protect our animals

Used by permission by the Warren County Office employee Sergeant Terry Fritts

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) is encouraging all owners of both agricultural and domestic animals to protect their pets.

Some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far is expected over the next few days.

Virginia law requires animal owners to provide proper care to prevent neglect and or cruelty.

Agricultural animals need protection from the harsh winds and inclement weather to prevent illness and injury.

Adequate shelter is legally required and must be suitable for a companion animal’s size, species and needs.

Animals must be protected from rain, snow, wind and extreme temperatures all of which have been and will be experienced in the coming days.

All animals should have protection where they can stay dry and clean with adequate water and food.

Failure to provide adequate protection can and often will result in serious legal consequences.

Whenever possible bring your furry family members inside.

If you suspect a case of neglect or abuse, you are encouraged to contact your animal control division of your local Sheriff’s Office.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Fauquier County Sheriffs Office makes felony arrest for animal cruelty

Fauquier Co. Sheriff's Logo used by permission by Fauquier County Deputy Jeffery Long

A Fauquier County Sheriffs Deputy was dispatched to an apartment in Bealeton for an unknown trouble call on September 30.

During the encounter with 23-year-old Ethan Overton, the deputy observed the suspects apartment to be in disarray, with several items overturned.

The suspect displayed concerning tendencies that led the officer to believe he was in a mental crisis, therefore the deputy to advised Mr. Overton be medically evaluated further.

Continued observation of his home led to the finding of a severely injured cat, which later was forced to be euthanized.

After Mr. Overton admitted to the abuse of the cat, the suspect was placed under arrest for animal cruelty.

Mr. Overton also created havoc in the patrol car causing 1200 dollars worth of damage.

He was additionally charged with felony damage to property.

The investigation is still ongoing.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Fauquier puppy mill owner guilty of 60 counts of animal cruelty

Fauquier Co. Sheriff's Logo used by permission by Fauquier County Deputy Jeffery Long

A Fauquier County jury found Irina Barrett guilty of 60 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty for her role in a puppy mill on Friday.

In January of 2020, Fauquier County Sheriff’s executed a search warrant after learning about the neglect of an 8 month old Doberman puppy.

Officers found that the puppy was deprived of food and veterinary treatment.

Upon further investigation of her residence, 75 other Dobermans and French Bull dogs were found in terrible living conditions with serious health issues.

57 chickens, three turtles, two guinea pigs and a parakeet were also seized by authorities.

The dogs were discovered in rusty cages with no food or water.

In the garage, deceased dogs of different breeds and ages were found wrapped in newspaper in a box.

46 dogs were eventually euthanized due to their health and the remaining abused dogs have remained in the care of Fauquier SPCA since January of 2020.

Barrett will be sentenced in February, 2024.

Each of the 60 misdemeanors could lead up to 1 year in jail.

The jury did not find Barrett guilty on the three criminal charges investigated in the trial.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Page County Authorities investigate a case of animal cruelty

Page County Authorities report the investigation of a case of animal cruelty.

Nov. 21 authorities found a female husky mix deliberately locked and chained to a barbed wire fence.

The animal was found in the vicinity of 651 Egypt Bend Road.

The animal was unable to move due to the chains and fence.

After several attempts by Animal Control they were finally able to free the dog without incident.

Anyone with any information or knows the dog you are asked to contact Page County animal control.

Contact Animal Control Officer Nations at 540-743-6571.

Pictures of the dog and it’s situation are found here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

PCSO make an animal cruelty arrest

Animal Control Deputies from the Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) took control of multiple animals kept in poor conditions.

Tabitha Price of Shenandoah Virginia has been charged with 51 counts of animal cruelty.

The charges include 47 counts of undernourishment and 47 counts of failing to prevent dehydration.

Price is schedule to appear in Page County General District Court August 26.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.