Following the seizure of 59 animals from a Bristow stable on April 14, the Prince William Animal Shelter announced at a media event Wednesday that they are placing the animals for adoption.
Animals available for adoption include 18 sheep, 6 goats, 1 bull calf and 28 rabbits. The shelter is also accepting donations through the P.A.W.S. (Poor Animal Welfare and Surgical) Fund to help care for the animals. (Specify "seized animals" when prompted.)
When they arrived at the Bristow Road property near Independence Hill and Dumfries Road, the newspaper and television reporters were greeted by one lively lamb named Patches. Little Patches, just a few months old, stole the show, parading himself before the cameras by kicking up his heals and playfully head-butting his buddy, another young lamb.
Today Patches is the image of good health. However that was not the case when he was taken from the stable by Prince William Animal Control. Officers said all the animals seized were noticeable neglected and underfed.
“They were emaciated,” said Sergeant Lori Newsome. “The little white one (Patches) doubled in size.”
Being so young and without his mother, the officers nursed Patches back to health through bottle feeding him.
They now have a special bond with Patches, who is quite the extrovert. However, Patches also has a close friendship with other lambs in his pen including a “baby” lamb a little older than him and his “mama.”
Animal Control Officers said all the animals were in rough condition when they arrived on the animal control property. However, in just a few weeks time, they gained weight, regrew fur or fleece and those that were running a fever or had other symptoms of illness are all currently showing signs of improved health.
Animal Control Officer Jessica Wilfong Shiflett said that a horse, Chloe, had an abscess and some bald spots, but “she’s come around 100 percent."
Chloe, one other horse, and a few dogs were also seized. They are not currently available for adoption as the shelter is awaiting legal judgment to determine their ownership. However, all of the livestock are available.
“They’ve become county property, so they are up for adoption,” Newsome said.
[/caption] Animal control officers said people who live in an agriculturally zoned areas can adopt the animals either to use as livestock or pets. However, people in suburban and urban areas are limited to adopting one or more of the 28 bunnies seized from the farm. The adoption fee for the rabbits is just $5.
“Bunnies can go anywhere,” said Lt. Pauline Shatswell, “and we’ve already had interest in the little bull.”
In the meantime, the officers hope to attract local farmers who are interested in acquiring these barnyard animals at better than market prices. They are looking for individuals who are able to provide them with a good home with plenty of food, water, shade and room to run around. Officers can arrange for people to tour the property and meet the animals.
Newsome said Animal Control is a resource people should utilize when, for whatever reason, they are no longer able to care for their animals. At the Prince William Animal Shelter, the animals will be cared for and placed for adoption.
The owner of Cross State Stables, Larry Dale Sams was charged with 57 counts of animal cruelty.
Residents can contact the Prince William Animal Shelter via email at animalshelter@pwcgov.org or by calling 703-792-6565. Those who would like to donate to the cause can visit the P.A.W.S. Fund.
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