Forty horses and 15 dogs were seized. Remains of 4 dead horses and 1 dog were also recovered as evidence. All animals were examined by at least 2 of 5 veterinarians on site before being removed from the property.
The horses were transported from the Vince farm to the nearby Southside Stockyard in Blackstone on Friday for holding and further examination. 21 horses were dispersed to several equine rescue groups Saturday, and the remaining horses will be dispersed to rescue organizations Sunday. Those groups are Central Virginia Horse Rescue, Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, and White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue. The dogs were all delivered Friday night to a separate companion animal rescue, Angels of Assisi, in Roanoke.
Investigation of this animal cruelty case stemmed from the seizure of horses earlier this week from the farm of Rhiannan Vitiello, in Charles City County.
Robin Vince was previously convicted of animal cruelty in Nottoway in 2014. Vince is the mother of Rhiannan Vitiello (aka Rhiannan Peterson), who also has prior convictions for animal cruelty in Charles City County.
This is an ongoing investigation. Criminal charges will be filed by the Nottoway County Commonwealth’s Attorney upon completion of the investigation.
(Anyone who would like to assist with the cost of care for these animals is encouraged to donate to Central Virginia Horse Rescue, Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue, and Angels of Assisi.)
(WRIC - Feb 28, 2016)
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