A Patrick Springs man is being held without bond following an animal cruelty investigation, according to a release from Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith.
Roy Melvin Davis Jr., 69, of 1889 South County Line Road, was arrested on Thursday by Patrick County deputies.
The investigation began when the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at Davis’ home on Tuesday afternoon. Deputies were investigating a brandishing of a firearm incident, searching for a revolver that Davis had allegedly threatened another person with on Monday.
When deputies entered the home, they allegedly discovered numerous dogs stacked in cages.
“The dogs were living in cages with cock roaches, maggots, and packed feces more than 6 inches thick in most cases,” Smith alleged in a Friday news release, adding that deputies had to wear gas mask respirators and personal protective gear to remove the dogs.
The dogs were taken to the Patrick County Animal Shelter, where they were examined by a veterinarian. Two of the animals had to be euthenized due to their poor physical condition, and the remainder are being cared for, with several of the dogs already being claimed for adoption. Angels of Assisi, a Roanoke-based animal rescue, is taking over care of the dogs.
Davis has been charged with 2 counts of felony animal cruelty, 13 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, and one count each brandishing a firearm and obstruction of justice in connection with the alleged unrelated brandishing investigation.
The investigation is being led by Senior Deputy Noah Wolfe, the county’s animal control officer. The investigation is continuing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Wolfe at 276 694 3161.
For more information about how to help care for the dogs, visit Facebook.com/AngelsofAssisi or go to http://www.angelsofassisi.org and click the Donate button, or mail checks to 725 Franklin Road SW, Roanoke, VA, 24011-2417.
