Rescue neglect - Chesapeake, VA

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

County: Chesapeake City

Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Lynda Houck

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

On May 25, 2005 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Lynda Houck of Battlefield Avenue, owner of the rescue group "Diamonds in the Ruff" was found guilty in criminal court of "failure to provide adequate care" under the state code 3.1-796.68.

The code states that an owner/custodian must provide adequate food, water and veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering, impairment of health, and disease transmission for animals in their care.

The adoption contract for the rescue group clearly states that the animals "get all vetting done" and that they are "fully vetted" before they are adopting. The animals in question lived in Houck's for approximately 4 months.  The animals had no records showing any current vaccinations, ever being wormed, or examination by any veterinarian.

When this animal was adopted, it was thoroughly examined by a veterinarian in Virginia Beach.  The veterinarian's report stated that this animal "revealed a poor body condition, with the pet being significantly underweight," "hair coat was also of poor quality with no luster or sheen." "The fecal examination revealed hookworms and the snap test revealed heartworm disease."

Case Updates

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. 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.

Source: Pet-Abuse.Com - Oct 29, 2007 Update posted on Oct 31, 2007 - 4:14PM

References

• Virginia Beach Court Docket #GC0505767-00

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