LYNDHURST, Va. (WHSV) – Two separate animal control cases in the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro area have brought 32 dogs to the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center.
Shelter Director Jon Hilbert said one of the cases is in Staunton, where the owner surrendered the dogs to the shelter immediately.
In the other case, 14 dogs were seized from a property in Waynesboro. Reuben Michael Silver faces multiple animal cruelty charges.
“We had to open up the emergency shelter, which is a separate location. We have been staffing that with shelter staff and volunteers for the past few weeks all while keeping the Lyndhurst shelter running as well,” Hilbert said.
Hilbert said the shelter had a framework on how to handle this situation thanks to its prior experience with another animal cruelty case.
“We had the equipment and the plan on how to do it, so when we knew this was happening a couple weekends ago, it was relatively easy,” Hilbert said. “We just kind of switched our mindset and just started setting up the emergency location.”
Hilbert said it is amazing to see the outpour of support from the community and volunteers. There are currently around 17 dogs left at the emergency shelter.
Hilbert said if you are interested in adopting or fostering, reach out to Renee Kershner at rkershner@co.augusta.va.us.
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