Community Corner

Rescued Dogs from Goochland Hoarding Operation Get Second Chance in Arlington

Five of the more than 50 mistreated animals were taken to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington for treatment.

By Jason Spencer

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington and other animal rescue operations have taken custody of more than 50 dogs that were freed from what's been called a "desperate hoarding situation" in Goochland County.

The dogs were taken away from Annette Thompson's Hadensville Kennel on Sept. 13 and were described by the local league as "terrified, filthy and exhausted (and) had not been outside of their horrible, outdoor kennels for years." Many were in "dire need" of medical care, according to the league.

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“These dogs had been suffering in deplorable conditions for years — many of them sick or injured. Their life consisted of an outdoor six-by-six foot, chain-link kennel with a concrete floor and a plastic dog house,” Neil Trent, president and CEO of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, said in a statement. “Although, they have endured an awful existence for years, it is gratifying to know that the dogs we were able to rescue will have a second chance at a new life.”

Five of the rescued dogs were taken to Arlington.

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One, Speckles, a 4-year-old American Foxhound mix, has been medically and behaviorally assessed and is now available for adoption.

“Speckles has adjusted well and absolutely loves to play fetch and go for walks. She now would enjoy the companionship of an adopter and the security of a home,” Lauren Hilton, manager of adoptions at the league, said in a statement. “She may take some time to get used to city living, so a townhouse or single family home will be best for her.”

Unfortunately, one of the five dogs was found to have dislocated hips and a severe case of heart worms and was in a lot of suffering, league spokeswoman Kerry McKeel told Patch. That dog had to be humanely euthanized.

The other three are in the process of being medically and behaviorally assessed, a process that could take a few weeks. One of the three is going into surgery Friday to be neutered, McKeel said.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is hopeful that the remaining three will be able to be adopted, she said. 

A Virginia judge ordered Annette M. Thompson to give up more than 70 dogs in April. Thompson's home had been damaged by a fire the month prior, and media attention from that drew the interest of animal advocates, including Homeward Trails Animal Rescue in Northern Virginia, according to the Goochland Gazette. At the time, five dogs were seized and all had to be euthanized.

Thompson reached an agreement with the Goochland County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office this month and the her kennel will close, according to the Gazette.

Goochland County is northwest of Richmond.

To learn more about Speckles or AWLA’s diverse selection of other companion animals including dogs, rabbits, birds, and hamsters, download the free Arlington Pets App or visit www.awla.org.


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