Case Snapshot
Case ID: 12584
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: cat
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Attorneys/Judges
Prosecutor(s): Amy E. James


For more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.



Monday, Oct 29, 2007

County: Chesapeake City

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Lynda Houck

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Lynda Houck, owner of Diamonds In The Ruff Pet Rescue in Southern Chesapeake, is once again facing criminal charges related to the condition of animals at her rescue. In May 2005, Houck was found guilty in Criminal Court in May 2005 of "failure to provide adequate care" under Virginia state code 3.1-796.68.

Houck is now facing eleven charges including not having enough space and keeping the area clean and safe. She's also charged with failing to provide emergency veterinary treatment to a suffering cat. That was the only animal officers took out of the home.

UPDATE
The charges against Lynda Houck stemming from the May 2005 case and the October 2007 case were heard in Chesapeake General District Court Criminal Division on 8/26/09.

She faced 12 charges:
2 counts of cruelty to animals for failure to provide emergency medical care
9 counts of failure to adequately provide for animals
1 count of no rabies vaccination for multiple animals

Through a plea agreement, Houck pled no contest to two charges of cruelty. All of the other charges were nolle prosequi. The two cruelty charges were taken under advisement for one year provided that:

She demonstrate good behavior for 1 year
Does not acquire ANY additional animals
Allow inspection by animal control
Notify animal control within 10 days of any change of address.


Houck now resides in South Mills, North Carolina.


Case Updates

The eleven charges Lynda Houck now faces are:

1 count of cruelty for failing to provide emergency medical care for cat
1 count of failure to provide adequate shelter (cage conditions - cleanliness)
3 count of failure to provide adequate shelter for cats (cage conditions - cleanliness)
1 count of failure to provide adequate space (cage conditions - wire bottoms no resting board)
1 count of failure to provide adequate space (referring to cage size)
1 count of failure to provide food (proper container)
1 count of failure to provide adequate water for dogs
1 count of failure to provide adequate water for cats
1 count of no rabies vaccinations, multiple animals
Update posted on Nov 1, 2007 - 6:25PM 

References

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