Chesterfield, Va. – A large-scale cruelty situation involving the mistreatment of 110 cats and kittens has been uncovered in Chesterfield, Virginia. The Humane Society of the United States, in collaboration with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and Chesterfield Animal Services, rescued the animals from a commercial breeding operation on Bensley Road.
The alarming conditions at the breeding facility prompted the Virginia Attorney General’s Office to seek assistance from the Humane Society to address concerns about the animals’ welfare. According to a 39-page complaint filed in federal court, the individuals operating the breeding operation had accumulated over 50 citations for violating the Animal Welfare Act. These violations primarily involved their failure to meet the minimum requirements, including providing adequate veterinary care for the animals.
The complaint filed in federal court also highlighted specific instances of negligence and mistreatment. For example, during a July inspection, an inspector from the United States Department of Agriculture discovered that the defendants failed to inform a veterinarian about a kitten born with a malformed chest. Instead of seeking appropriate medical attention, the defendants attempted to splint the kitten’s chest cavity with a toilet paper tube, which ultimately proved unsuccessful. Two weeks later, the kitten tragically passed away.
The defendants also exposed their animals to dangerous and unsanitary living conditions. Incompatible cats were housed together, and the animals were confined in cramped enclosures. Moreover, the defendants attempted to treat the animals themselves using expired Russian medication, further jeopardizing their well-being. It is disturbing to note that the defendants even postponed necessary treatment, planning to send the animals to Russia for medical care in the future.
The Humane Society of the United States suspended the operator’s license in August, and the USDA proceeded to file an administrative complaint to permanently revoke the defendants’ license on August 25. Following the rescue, the 110 cats and kittens were taken to an undisclosed location for comprehensive medical treatment. Once they have fully recovered, these animals will be made available for adoption through the Humane Society and their shelter and rescue partners.
NBC12 sought comments from the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and the attorney representing the business owners; however, both cited ongoing litigation and declined to provide any public statements. The premises from which the cats were rescued was visited by the media, but no one answered the door.
This shocking case serves as a reminder of the importance of proper animal care and the need for increased regulation and enforcement within the commercial breeding industry. The Humane Society’s intervention in this matter represents a crucial step towards protecting the well-being of vulnerable animals and ensuring they are provided with the care they deserve.
