Last week CBS 6 told you about a blaze that destroyed the Goochland farm of a retired Richmond police officer. Annette M. Thompson, 67, of the 3500 block of Tabscott Road, had nearly seventy animals in a kennel near her home.
She said she helped harbor them while they were waiting to be adopted through the organization known as the Pet Rescue Foundation.
Now she faces five misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty after animal control officer’s and deputies served a search warrant on her property and seized five dogs yesterday afternoon that later were euthanized due to their poor physical condition.
Thompson was convicted of inadequate animal care in 2011. State officials say she’s not allowed to operate a releasing agency. Releasing agencies take in, care for and release animals to qualified recipients.
According to Sheriff James L Agnew, they received information about the condition of the dogs on the property from numerous sources including the State Veterinarian’s Office.
The five charges are Class I misdemeanors that carry a maximum penalty of I year in jail and a $2,500 fine on each charge. Ms. Thompson was released on a summons. Her court date is set for April 15 at 8:45 am in Goochland General District Court.
(WTVR - April 2, 2013)
