2 pit bulls neglected, 3rd feared dead
Winchester, VA (US)Incident Date: Monday, Feb 9, 2009
County: Frederick
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Charles Lee Meadows
Authorities arrested a man Wednesday on charges of committing cruelty to two pit bulls in Frederick County earlier this month, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Charles Lee Meadows, 24, of 626 Dicks Hollow Road, is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals and faces a hearing March 30 in Frederick County General District Court, Maj. Robert "Robbie" Eckman said Thursday. Meadows, who was identified as the animals' owner, was released on a summons to appear in court on that date.
The Sheriff's Office received a report Feb. 9 of possible animal cruelty at Meadows' residence, and deputies seized two dogs, Eckman said. Officers could not find a third pit bull, believed to be deceased, he added.
"Their ribs were showing; their legs were thin and bony," Eckman said, citing reports. "There were sores on the hip bones and appeared to be bleeding."
"They were in pretty bad shape; the one was in particular," he added.
Officers took the dogs to a veterinarian and then to the county animal shelter, where they remain.
"The dogs have improved greatly," Eckman said, noting that one had to be taken to Winchester Animal Hospital for treatment.
The cost to house the dogs at the shelter will be billed to the defendant if found guilty, Eckman said.
The Sheriff's Office has seen an increase in the number of reports of alleged animal cruelty, including dogs and horses, he said.
"The economy, I guess, is having an impact," Eckman said. "People can't afford the care." References« VA State Animal Cruelty Map
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