Charges could be filed next week in Dinwiddie farm raid - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

All veterinarian evaluations are now complete on dozens of horses seized from a farm in Dinwiddie County.

Animal control took custody of the horses because they appeared unhealthy and unkempt.

Charges could be filed as early as next week in the case. Right now, animal control is waiting on the results of tests to determine the exact condition of each animal.

53 horses, 4 donkeys, 3 miniatures and at least a dozen dogs were seized from a farm on White Oak Road in Dinwiddie.

We're  now getting a better picture of how healthy or unhealthy the animals are.

"Some of them are extremely thin with lots of cuts and sores. On their body  some are missing hair. You can count almost every bone in their body," said Chief Warden Deborah Broughton with Dinwiddie County Animal Control.

The county expects to shell out thousands for vet bills, food and other items while the animals are in the custody of the county.

The community is reaching out to help. 

"We've been inundated with calls so much that we had to put an extra person on the phone system," she added.

Since the county doesn't have a facility large enough to house the herd they're being kept on the owner's property, but under 24 hour supervision.

Doctors at Deer Creek Equine Clinic say cases like the one in Dinwiddie are all too common.

"A lot of time people try to take on horses to help people and they don't realize what the cost entails," said Dr. Cindi Arledge.

That cost could be as much as $2,000 a year per horse.

"We've chose to domesticate them and once you do that it's your responsibility to make sure they're properly cared for, housed and fed," she added.

Right now, the owner of the seized animals isn't talking.

A seizure hearing will be held on Monday morning.  Animal control will go before a judge and request that the seized animals remain in the custody of the county during the investigation.

If you'd like to help with the care of the animals call Dinwiddie County Animal Control at 469-4547.

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