HENRY COUNTY, VA (LOOTPRESS) – In one of the largest animal rescue operations in recent Henry County history, deputies with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Unit removed 106 dogs from a Martinsville residence after discovering severely unsanitary living conditions.
The welfare check, conducted at approximately 2:15 p.m. at 102 Winnie Lane, revealed dogs confined in kennels and fenced areas outside, while inside the home, deputies found floors and living spaces heavily soiled with urine and feces—posing serious health risks to both the animals and residents.
Deputies determined the animals’ living conditions were unsafe, prompting an immediate rescue operation. Teams from the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA, Henry County Animal Shelter, and Sheriff’s Office Animal Services worked continuously from late afternoon until 4:30 a.m. to safely capture and relocate all animals.
“The professionalism and dedication shown by our deputies, animal services staff, and partner rescue organizations ensured that more than one hundred animals were removed safely and humanely,” said Sheriff Wayne Davis.
Because the Henry County Animal Shelter lacked the capacity to house all the dogs, multiple animal welfare organizations stepped in the following day to provide medical care, intake, and placement. Partner organizations included Old Dominion Humane Society, Lynchburg Humane Society, Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, They Rescue Us Rescue, Operation Paws for Homes, Daisy’s Legacy, Remy’s Reign, and Doggone Happy Rescue.
The owner voluntarily surrendered all 106 dogs, and the Sheriff’s Office is consulting with the Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office regarding potential charges.
The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information on animal neglect or abuse in Henry County to contact them at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at 63-CRIME (276-632-7463). Confidential tips may be eligible for a cash reward.
This large-scale rescue underscores the county’s commitment to animal welfare and the power of coordinated community action.
