SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A 25-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday for 27 charges, including multiple animal cruelty charges, after an investigation that began three months ago.
Suffolk Animal Control responded to a residence in the 5800 block of Mineral Spring Road to perform a welfare check on dogs at the location, according to Suffolk police.
A dead dog was found inside one of the pens next to the home, as well as a dog that was experiencing heat-related health problems and could barely stand, according to police. There was no water or shelter in the pen and the dog was taken to a local veterinarian for emergency care after it was seized by authorities.
Police say the body of the dead dog was sent for a necropsy to determine the cause of it’s death. More dogs were found in other pens near the home with little or no shelter and limited access to water during extreme heat conditions.
The dogs were seized because of the immediate threats to their safety and health, according to police. They are currently in the custody of Suffolk Animal Care and will be available for adoption once they return to optimal health.
Jacob Richard Romes Chappell of Suffolk was taken into custody and charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty, 11 counts of failure to care for animals and one count of torturing a dog or cat causing death, police say.
Stay on WAVY.com for updates in this developing story.
