Search warrants filed Tuesday are shedding light on the charges being levied against Dogs Deserve Better founder Tamira Thayne.
According to the warrants, "animals are being maced and tased on a regular basis." The seizure report reflects that one taser and nine cans of Mace were confiscated from the Surry County property. Also taken into evidence was an invoice for the purchase of the Mace.
The paperwork further states that Thayne's dogs were being kept in unsuitable size crates, "a minimum of 19 hours a day unless it is raining outside, then they are crated even longer."
The warrant goes on to allege that sick and injured dogs were not receiving veterinary care. Animals with bloody, runny and watery stools were said to have been continually dewormed instead of taken to a vet for diagnosis and treatment.
One pit bull was seized from the compound, a site that formerly housed the Michael Vick dogfighting ring but was later purchased by Thayne and transformed into the "Good Newz Rehab." The dog, Jada, is currently being held at the shelter and is not available for adoption at this time.
A handful of other dogs remain on the property, however, chief animal control officer Tracy Terry has stated that her office is ensuring that the animals receive the proper care. According to a note on the Dogs Deserve Better Facebook page, these dogs will "now have to wait" to be rescued or adopted.
Thayne has denied the charges against her. A since-deleted post on the Dogs Deserve Better Facebook page blamed the allegations on a small group of people who were trying to shut down the rescue by making false claims to Surry County officials. Dogs Deserve Better later posted a note stating that Thayne had been out of the country but the animals were "well taken care of by three caretakers and an office manager." According to the note, "They had each other's backs while Tami was gone, and they did great."
Thayne is facing charges for animal cruelty and inadequate care of an animal. She is due in court September 25.
Author's Note: Since publishing this objective news article, the terminology included in this piece has been disputed by persons challenging reports that Mace and a Taser were removed from the property. According to a family member of Thayne, the items seized were actually pepper spray and a stun gun. All terms and quotes used in this story have been taken verbatim from the Surry County search warrant. Per the Search Inventory & Return paperwork attached to the warrant:
The following items, and no others, were seized under the authority of this warrant:
1. Mace located in front closet (2)
2. Female black and white pit bull, 1 year female
3. 3 located in kitchen (Mace)
4. 2 located in kitchen drawer (Mace)
5. 2 located in bedroom office (Mace)
6. Copy of invoice for Mace
7. 1 taser found in desk drawer in living room
8. Vet records for pit bull named "Jada"
I would once again like to remind all parties that I am an impartial observer who reports on current events involving animals and animal rescue. I have no experience with DDB besides writing a flattering piece in the past about a Pennsylvania DDB rep who was helping a chained dog. I have no opinion on the allegations against Ms. Thayne, and am simply reporting on the charges that she is facing in Surry County.
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