UPDATE: Isle of Wight deputies seize 44 animals from Carrollton home

Isle of Wight County sheriff’s deputies and Animal Control officers seized 44 malnourished animals from a Carrollton home on July 24.

According to a news release, the Sheriff’s Office searched a home in the 13000 block of Smiths Neck Road after receiving multiple tips alleging illegal animal breeding and selling by its occupant, as well as animal abuse.

As of just after 4 p.m., deputies had removed 39 dogs, four miniature horses and one full-size horse after several hours at the premises. Three hours earlier, dogs could be heard barking from two Animal Control vans parked in the home’s driveway. At least four marked Sheriff’s Office vehicles were on site, including the two vans.

The dogs range from small breeds like Yorkies and Toy Poodles to Dobermans and other large breeds. The Sheriff’s Office described the animals as having been provided very little food and water and kept in areas exposed to the outdoors.

“Many of the animals appear very thin, and all are believed to have some variation of parasitic infections,” the release states.

Photos included with the release show some dogs kept in small, rusted cages, others in outdoor pens, and a deputy entering the premises wearing a hazardous material suit, mask and gloves.

According to Deputy 1st Class Alecia Paul, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Office, the hazmat suits were to safeguard deputies against the threat of fleas, parasites and possible allergic reactions.

Within the next 10 days, the Sheriff’s Office will go to court to seek an order forcing the occupant to relinquish custody of the animals, the  release states. Charges are pending following that hearing.

“Our office has seized all the animals,” the release states. “We hope to have them in shelters by the end of the week, with the help of multiple partnering agencies.”

In response to the influx of new arrivals and offers of assistance from the public, Isle of Wight County’s animal shelter published a wishlist of supplies on Amazon.com on July 25, and said on Facebook that The Oaks Veterinary Clinic on Benns Church Boulevard would match dollar for dollar any monetary donation through Pennies for PAWS , a 2019-founded Smithfield nonprofit that provides supplies for shelter volunteers.

The shelter is also soliciting foster homes and volunteers, but states neither group will be working with any of the court-involved animals.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 5:17 p.m. on July 25 with additional details.