For me at this point all that matters is that the legalities of this issue will be determinative as decided by our judicial system. Not by emoting for or against. Once again , the charges that remain are of the lowest legal level. So low, that the State , not the county , not the animal protection folks , have decided not to prosecute.Unsubstantiated accusations (e.g.not legally acceptable in court) , rumors , personal issues, all should be cast aside. The delays in this case are costly for everyone.We have 6 rescued dogs and 2 rescued cats, our time is valuable as well. I think that one must be careful in not to tread in libelous areas. let the legal system decide the outcome. Gallimaufry arguments are a sign of weak reasoning.

Knows The Truth of Goochland you a scared to print you name beneath those lies . why is that ? is it easier to lie behind a curtain ?

Anybody who has been involved in animal rescue for the last 20 years is well aware of Annette Thompson and her so called 501(c)3 Pet Rescue Foundation. She has allowed at least 100+ animals to die in mass graves on her property without the proper love and attention, but more importantly without the minimum vet care that should be afforded to each animal which is required by law.  Only recently have all of her dogs been vaccinated against rabies as required by law after an uproar from the public. Why wasn’t she properly fined by Goochland Animal Control?  Actually Goochland Animal Control was there on the day that the rabies vaccine was administered. I just wonder how many residents in Goochland who knew the entire truth would think it’s acceptable that ONE elderly lady can possibly care for hundreds of animals? You don’t have to be smart to put 2+2 together to realize the situation of her animals’ lives and how lonely, scared, sick, isolated, and sometimes aggressive they are from a lack of human interaction.  It’s just a shame that no matter what happens, she will be allowed to continue to hoard animals.  I’m rooting for those that are prosecuting Annette.  The many animals that have suffered on her property deserve justice.

I can assure you that animal rescue people do not have time to ‘persecute’ other rescuers, or anyone else, unless they perceive a situation is egregious. Even rescued animals deserve a decent quality of life and vet care when they need it. That was lacking at Ms. Thompson’s rescue and the authorities were called in.

Ms. Thompson’s intentions are not enough. She is a hoarder- unable to release sick animals who need help she is unwilling or cannot afford to give- to other rescues who would willingly take them. That is what is so frustrating here.

The state vet’s report is clear. Why animal control failed to follow up on it is a big question in my mind.

People who sacrifice of themselves to try to help animals still need to be held to standards- and the law. This is for the sake of the animals, who cannot communicate their suffering. Other rescuers who see animals suffering need to step in. That is what is happening in this case.

I also hope that the zealots involved in this persecution are hoisted on their own pitards

r carchman my statements are directed at those who choose to persecute Ms Thompson .
            r jarrell

Hi Rick; to whom were you specifically referring to in your response? I hope it was to the folks who have brought this action?

EVERYTIME YOU ACCUSE OUR COURT AND OUR ANIMAL CONTROL OF NOT DOING THEIR JOB YOU LOSE CREDIBILITY . YOU WACKOS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GIVE A BUNCH OF APOLOGIES WHEN THIS IS OVER WITH ! IT WAS YOU WHO ASKED FOR THE FIRST CONTINUANCE . OTHERWISE MS THOMPSONS GOOD NAME WOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN CLEARED .
      GOD BLESS YOU ANNETTE FOR YOUR DEDICATION

I have attended many of the trial dates of this case and am hoping that ‘justice delayed is not justice denied’. It wasn’t clear to me that Judge Morton had made a final descision on the private prosecuter , though the Gazette states so. The changing of judges at the last minute was confusing and unfortunate , since both sides were ready to go forward.The fact that the State has removed it’s ability to prosecute this case because of the fact that the charges are class 4 misdeamors suggests something other than what, as one of the plaintiffs in the case suggests, as quoted in the Gazette, that the Counties delay is to make the case go away.Hyperbole is not substitute for factual information. The original seriousness of the remaining charges brought have been legally modified to make them such that the State won’t be engaged , that should speak volumes as to why this case is more about things that are not in evidence.