People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, wants …
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Charges withdrawn in Surry cruelty case
Updated: Wednesday, 06 Mar 2013, 7:19 AM EST
Published : Tuesday, 05 Mar 2013, 12:49 PM EST
SURRY, Va. (WAVY) - Two charges against the owner and founder of Dogs Deserve Better were nolle prosequi in a Surry courtroom Tuesday.
Two charges of animal cruelty and inadequate care of animals against Tamira Thayne were withdrawn and ruled nolle prosequi. Thayne's accuser did not show up to court. Nolle prosequi means the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office withdrew the charges because there may not have been enough evidence for a conviction.
Two years ago, Thayne founded Dogs Deserve Better, a group seeking approval to be a shelter or rescue in the state of Virginia and purchased the home used by Michael Vick for dog fighting.
Thayne told 10 On Your Side the allegations of improper care and operating without a state permit were simply not true.
"Our dogs live in this house out of crates... they're only crated for naps and feeding times. Other times, they're in the house," Thayne said.
A local veterinarian examined the home and the dogs.
"They talked about being sprayed with mace. That would hurt their eyes. If they were being abused they would be very fearful inside. They're very outgoing, loving animals," Dr. Leslie Dragon said.
Mark Kumpf, who's previously worked in local animal control shelters, is an expert on the care of dogs. He runs an animal resource center in Dayton Ohio.
I did not find any merit to the issue. I've been to the facility. I've seen how they treat their animals. They're treated like family members," Kumpf said.
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