Two Class IV misdemeanor charges against Pet Rescue Foundation operator Annette Thompson stem from a months-long investigation by animal welfare advocate Eileen McAfee.

In an interview last week with The Gazette, Henrico resident McAfee said that more than 60 additional cases had been presented to the Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for possible action.

Those charges were contained in a 150-page document provided to Goochland Animal Control and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office by McAfee.

“She should not be allowed to have animals – she abuses them,” said McAfee last week, who said she has been involved in animal advocacy work for the last 15 years, mostly with pounds run by localities.

“I want the Pet Rescue Foundation shut down, but that’s not enough.  She needs to be prosecuted for abuse of the animals in her care just as any other citizen who abuses animals is charged, but also to prevent her from starting up her operation all over again,” said McAfee.

McAfee has a background in social work and criminal justice. She is a co-founder of Save Our Shelters, a rescue, adoption and advocacy organization for pound animals, and was the director from 2003 - 2006 of Court Watch for Animal Cruelty in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Nancy Oglesby said Monday she had reviewed the cases and had advised McAfee to meet with Chief Magistrate Sheena Dixon concerning the complaints, since none rose to the class 1 misdemeanor level which would involve the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

The first two charges arose after McAfee and a group of more than 10 other concerned animal advocates, many of whom had volunteered at the Pet Rescue Foundation, met with Animal Control and the Goochland County Attorney on February 23. After the meeting two complaints were filed by one of the animal advocates against Thompson.

An April 12 trial date in Goochland District Court has been set for the two charges.

According to McAfee, over the last several years volunteers and rescue organizations had become concerned after attempting to help Thompson with her operation.

The state Office of Veterinary Services (OVS) visited Thompson’s facility twice in the last five years in response to complaints, said McAfee, who provided The Gazette copies of letters sent to Animal Control by the OVS as a result of those visits.

In the December 21, 2005, letter, OVS requested Animal Control follow-up and provided an update on action taken to correct a number of deficiencies the inspection noted, including frozen water dishes, insufficient cleaning of feces from dog runs and inadequate shelter.

Animal Control Officer Robert “Corky” Marks said Monday that retired Animal Control Officer Richard Bradner followed up on the deficiencies noted in that report.

OVS visited the Pet Foundation again on February 5, 2009, in response to anonymous complaints that animals were not being properly fed. On this visit an “emaciated” horse was reported, which, according to Marks, was subsequently euthanized. The horse is the subject of one of the two misdemeanor charges pending against Thompson.

Three members of the Goochland Animal Control, accompanied by a Goochland County Deputy Sheriff, inspected the facility on March 5, 2010, according to a written report provided to the Gazette by the County Attorney’s Office.  They found 106 dogs on the property, along with about 30 cats, chickens, two rabbits, seven goats, three sheep and three horses.

“There were no companion animals or livestock in need of emergency vet care,” the report stated.

Animal Control has visited Thompson’s facility more than 75 times over the years in response to complaints, said Marks.

On the most current visit Marks said Animal Control did have concerns about four older dogs. According to attachments to the report, Dr. James Miller examined three of the dogs on March 8 and treatment plans were agreed upon.

Dr. Richard Owens of Locke A. Taylor DVM, Inc. treated the fourth dog, according to the report.

Overall, Marks said his impression of the facility was favorable.

“It is top notch – in number one shape,” said Marks. “Some of the animals are borderline obese.”

Marks added Thompson told him that she now has two paid employees to assist her with the care of animals at the facility.

Oglesby said it would be up to Magistrate Dixon to decide if more charges against Thompson are brought after hearing any future complaints that might be brought before her by McAfee or other concerned citizens.