Help save 63 dogs rescued from a Virginia Puppy Mill
Published on 2008/12/29
On November 13th the Virginia State Police seized 63 dogs from David Winesett in Carroll County, Virginia. The case against Winesett was dismissed because the hearing did not take place within the required 10 business days. The hearing was held on the 11th day because it was the day set by the court. In the Carroll County Court, hearings are only held two days each week and the week of this hearing also included Thanksgiving. Again, the hearing date was set by the same court that dismissed the Show Cause order because the hearing date was on the 11th day.
The Attorney General's office, representing State Police, appealed the ruling on December 17th and the appeal was again denied by the same court . The dogs are still in the care of Angel's of Assisi in Roanoke, Virginia but are subject to being returned to David Winesett. According to accounts, they were in horrible condition. Mr.. Winesett by the way is a former Animal Control Officer. Carroll County is the same place where the infamous Junior Horton puppy mill case was finally disposed of after months of delay.
Please contact the Chief Judge at the State Supreme Court and report this miscarriage of justice. Urge the Judge to review this case in Carroll County, Virginia and the actions of the presiding Judges (Judges Frith and Geisler) and the behavior of the court. It would be especially powerful if those of you in Southwest Virginia would become involved so this is seen as an affront to those of you living near this area.
The Honorable Leroy Rountree Hassell, Sr., Chief Justice
Supreme Court of Virginia
100 North Ninth St., 5th Floor
Richmond, VA 23218
804.786.2251
Attorney General Bob McDonnell
804.786.2071
In addition, contact Delegate Terry Kilgore and urge him turn over the dogs to Angels of Assisi. Delegate Kilgore, who is representing Winesett, voted for the passage of landmark legislation in Virginia to strengthen the standards of care for dogs in puppy mills. It is astonishing that Delegate Kilgore would represent David Winesett. Let the Delegate know your concerns regarding his representation of this commercial breeder.
The Honorable Terry Kilgore
As for charges being filed against Winesett, this case is eerily similar to the Jr. Horton case (November 2007) when Commonwealth's Attorney Greg Goad refused to file charges. After much pressure, Goad finally filed charges on a fraction of the animals taken in the Horton case and the court did convict Horton of neglect and cruelty.
When the legislation passed this year in Virginia, there was a provision included to ensure that Goad and others could no longer neglect their duties. Unfortunate, the provisions does not become effective until January 1. It reads "It shall be the duty of each attorney for the Commonwealth to enforce this article" (3.2-6507.6). Please contact Goad and tell him that he should prosecute Winesett to the fullest extend of the law.
Greg Goad
Also, contact the Attorney General's office, thank him for the efforts of his office and urge him to use all possible means to get this case on track and prevent those dogs from getting back into the hands of Winesett.
Attorney General Bob McDonnell
804.786.2071
In addition, contact Delegate Terry Kilgore and urge him turn over the dogs to Angels of Assisi. Delegate Kilgore, who is representing Winesett, voted for the passage of landmark legislation in Virginia to strengthen the standards of care for dogs in puppy mills. It is astonishing that Delegate Kilgore would represent David Winesett. Let the Delegate know your concerns regarding his representation of this commercial breeder.
The Honorable Terry Kilgore
276.386.7011
As for charges being filed against Winesett, this case is eerily similar to the Jr. Horton case (November 2007) when Commonwealth's Attorney Greg Goad refused to file charges. After much pressure, Goad finally filed charges on a fraction of the animals taken in the Horton case and the court did convict Horton of neglect and cruelty.
When the legislation passed this year in Virginia, there was a provision included to ensure that Goad and others could no longer neglect their duties. Unfortunate, the provisions does not become effective until January 1. It reads "It shall be the duty of each attorney for the Commonwealth to enforce this article" (3.2-6507.6). Please contact Goad and tell him that he should prosecute Winesett to the fullest extend of the law.
Greg Goad
