One Dog Dead, Four Rescued in Page County Animal Cruelty Investigation
PAGE COUNTY, Va. — Members of the Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) responded to a call Saturday evening for reports of animal neglect.
Deputies were dispatched to the town of Shenandoah at approximately 6:32 p.m. on February 1, 2026 for reports of tethered dogs exposed to frigid weather.
Upon arrival, deputies observed conditions consistent with animal neglect.
One dog was found tethered and deceased. Authorities believe the animal died as a result of prolonged exposure to extreme cold and malnutrition.
Four additional dogs were found being kept outdoors without adequate shelter from the freezing temperatures.
According to online court records, Calla Jane Turner of Shenandoah was arrested and charged with the following:
One count of felony animal cruelty (torture/maim dog or cat)
Three counts of Class 1 misdemeanors (cruelty to animals)
Six counts of Class 4 misdemeanors (inadequate care by owner)
Mitchell Lee Richards, Sr., also of Shenandoah, was arrested and charged with:
One count of felony animal cruelty (torture/maim dog or cat)
Three counts of Class 1 misdemeanors (cruelty to animals)
Six counts of Class 4 misdemeanors (inadequate care by owner)
The deceased dog was transported for necropsy (animal autopsy). The four surviving dogs were taken to the Page County Animal Shelter.
Court records show that Turner and Richards were released on bond.
Both individuals are scheduled to appear in Page County General District Court for hearings on March 26.
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