More than 50 cats and kittens were rescued from a property on Plank Road earlier this week by several animal rescue organizations working in cooperation with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office.
“Cases of this magnitude truly take a village, and the success of this rescue demonstrates the strength of Virginia's animal welfare community and the power of collaborative partnerships,” Rockbridge County Sheriff Tony McFaddin said in a press release posted to the department’s Facebook page Friday afternoon.
According to the press release, the investigation began on June 26, when deputies assigned to the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office’s Special Enforcement Unit responded to a complaint alleging that “numerous cats on a property in the 300 block of Plank Road appeared [to be] sick, neglected and/or emaciated.” The investigation uncovered a “large-scale animal hoarding situation requiring immediate intervention.”
Deputy Eric Higgins with the Special Enforcement Unit coordinated with several partner agencies, rescue organizations and veterinary partners to ensure the animals that were rescued had the care and attention that they needed. Staff at Loudoun County Animal Services took a leading role in planning and executing the response and assisted with the handling, triage, transportation and logistical coordination to ensure the safe removal of all of the cats and kittens from the property. In total, 53 cats and kittens were removed from the property, with one kitten later needing to be euthanized.
“Loudoun County Animal Services brought a level of expertise and experience that was critical to the success of this effort,” McFaddin said. “Their team worked side-by-side with our deputies and rescue partners from start to finish, and we are extremely grateful for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to animal welfare.”
Other rescue organizations involved in providing care and placement for the animals include: Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge, the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, SFC Virginia: The Squishy Face Crew, Remy’s Reign, Middleburg Humane Foundation, and Angels of Assissi.
“[This] was an incredible example of what can be accomplished when dedicated professionals, rescue organizations, and volunteers come together for a common purpose,” McFaddin said. “Every person involved worked through challenging conditions with professionalism, compassion, and determination. Because of their efforts, 53 animals are safer tonight and receiving the care they desperately needed. We are proud to stand alongside these organizations and grateful for their partnership in serving both our community and these vulnerable animals.”
The investigation remains ongoing an charges are pending.
