Fayette Regional Humane Society (FRHS) agents recently removed two dogs and a cat from a condemned Washington C.H. property.
The property was condemned by the Fayette County Health Department in March with an order for it to be vacated on a date listed in April. It was reported to the Fayette Regional Humane Society (FRHS) that the residents allegedly moved and left animals behind.
FRHS humane agents responded Saturday afternoon and found two dogs outdoors and a cat sitting by the front doorsteps of the vacated residence. Bystanders were concerned that a third dog was possibly inside, according to FRHS.
Humane agent Brad Adams, who initially responded, called for a second humane agent to respond with a transport van. Officers with the Washington C.H. Police Department were also at the property while agents Adams and Honicker searched inside of the residence for additional animals. Although a third dog wasn’t located, mounds of garbage was found in and outside of the property, according to FRHS.
“The animals were transported to our clinic at the humane society where they were assessed and vaccinated. The dogs and cat are very happy, loving and friendly animals,” said Adams, who is also the FRHS outreach director.
The owners of the animals were located at their new residence, where they voluntarily surrendered the animals into the care and custody of the Fayette Regional Humane Society, according to FRHS.
“Since the animals were surrendered, we were are able to make them available for adoption,” said Adams. “I encourage anyone who might be interested in giving one of these sweet animals a home to call us.”
Sandy Queen, 47, and Ronald Newland, 51, both were charged with three second-degree misdemeanor charges of abandoning animals, according to FRHS. Each charge carries a penalty of up to a $750 fine and 90 days in jail.
Queen and Newland are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, May 2 in Washington C.H. Municipal Court.
The Fayette Regional Humane Society is a non-profit (501(c)(3), volunteer organization. They receive less than 2 percent of their support from governmental organizations and therefore must rely on donations, grants and fundraising to carry out their mission. The Humane Society is the only organization in Fayette County able to respond to calls about abused, neglected and injured domestic animals, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. To learn more about the Fayette Regional Humane Society, please visit their website at www.fayettehumanesociety.com
