As society moves forward, we see more and more rules to protect animals' rights. But, sadly, there are still situations where people ignore these rules and put innocent animals in danger. Just recently, we were heartbroken to learn about a house in Chesterfield where as many as 110 cats were kept in terrible conditions for breeding.
On Monday, the Humane Society of the United States teamed up with the Virginia Attorney General's Office and Chesterfield Animal Services to rescue 110 cats and kittens found at a home along Bensley Road. Many reports indicated a troubling situation at this commercial breeding facility.
The Humane Society were called in by the Virginia Attorney General's Office due to concerns about the welfare of the animals at this location.
Source: WSLS 10
An extensive 39-page complaint, filed in federal court back in August, reveals that the owners of this Chesterfield cat and dog breeding operation had received more than 50 citations for failing to meet the minimum standards of the Animal Welfare Act, including a lack of proper veterinary care.
Source: Central Virginia News and Weather
One example in the complaint details an inspection report from the United States Department of Agriculture from July. It revealed that the owners failed to inform a veterinarian about a kitten born with a malformed chest, reducing space for the heart and lungs. Instead of seeking proper care, they tried to make a chest splint using a toilet paper tube, which tragically failed, and the kitten died two weeks later.
The complaint also states that the defendants exposed their animals to unsafe and unsanitary conditions, putting them in harm's way.
Source: Central Virginia News and Weather
This included housing incompatible cats together and keeping animals in cramped enclosures. Furthermore, the complaint accuses the defendants of attempting to treat their animals with expired Russian medication and delaying proper treatment by suggesting they would take the animals to Russia for care. Multiple USDA inspection records, provided by the Humane Society of the United States, also cited concerns about enclosure spaces and food storage.
Source: WSLS 10
The operator's license was suspended in August, and federal court documents indicate that the USDA filed an administrative complaint to permanently revoke the defendant's license on August 25th.
Source: Central Virginia News and Weather
Later, the rescued cats were taken to an undisclosed location for necessary care and treatment. They will be available for adoption through the Humane Society and their partnering shelters and rescue organizations.
More information is now unavailable and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office couldn't comment on ongoing investigations.
A similar response was received from the attorney representing the business owners. Attempts to visit the residence mentioned in federal documents, where the cats were found, yielded no response.
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