The Virginia based Dogs Deserve Better's Good Newz Rehab Center is resting easier this afternoon after misdemeanor animal cruelty charges against executive director Tammy Thayne were nolle prossed on Tuesday. The rescue located on Moonlight Road in Smithfield was once the home of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick's dog fighting ring. Thayne was charged last year with animal cruelty and giving inadequate care to some of the dogs at the rescue.
In Latin, the term translates as "be unwilling to pursue," and in this case prosecutors will not be pursuing any of the charges at this time, however charges can be filed again.
According to the DailyPress.com, Surry Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter's office told Judge Robert E. Edwards that the prosecution's key witness from South Carolina was not able to appear in court.
In August 2012, photographs and emails were sent to the Surrey Animal Control from former employees complaining of animal cruelty, dogs kept in small kennels continuously, and inadequate veterinary care. Authorities found mace and Taser equipment as well as order forms for more mace. There were reports of Thayne using mace and Tasers on the dogs.
In a news conference this afternoon, Thayne was obviously thankful the stress of an upcoming trial was over, and even though she states her innocence, Thayne stated she was looking forward to her day in court.
The rescue has helped 60 chained dogs since opening and have 13 dogs in rehabilitation at this time. A recent endowment of $250,000 has helped to pay all the bills, and the organization is hoping to expand in order to help more dogs.
Will Surrey Commonwealth's Attorney Poindexter's office refile charges? We will have to wait and see.
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