The Shadow
An Alleghany County man and his daughter are facing multiple charges related to animal cruelty.
The charges were filed against Robert Via, 57, and his 25-year-old daughter, Katelyn, of 2015 Selma-Low Moor Rd., after Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted an investigation at 4520 Johnson Creek Rd.
Sheriff Kevin Hall said his office received a report of a foul smell coming from the house on Johnson Creek Road. The report indicated that multiple dogs were inside the vacant house.
Investigators who went to the house over the weekend found a total of 27 dogs inside the house and a nearby shed.
On Monday, sheriff’s deputies met with the dogs’ owners. The dogs were surrendered to the Alleghany Humane Society.
The animals were later transported to an Angels of Assisi shelter in Roanoke.
“The owners had been feeding and watering the dogs, but they were not removing the feces from inside the buildings,” Sheriff Hall said.
Robert Via is facing 21 counts of animal cruelty, along with 21 counts of not having a dog license, and 21 counts of having dogs without a rabies vaccination.
Katelyn Via is facing six counts of animal cruelty, along with six counts of not having dog licenses and six counts of having dogs without a rabies vaccination.
Katelyn Via is scheduled to appear in Alleghany General District Court April 13. As of Tuesday, no hearing date had been scheduled for Robert Via.
Sheriff’s Cpl. Laura McLain is overseeing the investigation. She is being assisted by Animal Control Officer Todd Ailstock.
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Photo courtesy of Angels of Assisi
