Page County Animal Cruelty Case Heads to Grand Jury
Community seeks justice for euthanized German Shepherd
LURAY, Va. — After a preliminary hearing, the case of a Shenandoah woman accused of animal cruelty is now headed to a grand jury.
In late October, a two-year-old German Shepherd was the focus of a complaint filed by a citizen concerned for the dog’s welfare.
According to a report from the Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), photos of an emaciated dog were forwarded to Deputy Justin Corbin on October 24, 2024. At 6:30 p.m. that day, Corbin proceeded to check on the animal at the owner’s Sixth Street residence.
Upon his arrival, the deputy observed what appeared to be a severely-malnourished female dog, lying near a pool. The animal, named “Rosie,” was not moving, and bones were protruding through her skin.
The deputy did not see food or water bowls present, and began to question the owner, Sarah Beth Maiden.
According to Maiden, Rosie had had “weight issues” and was “unable to maintain a healthy weight.”
She explained that she had “intended” to take the dog to a veterinarian (and even reached out to a few), but was unable to actually make the visit because her driver’s license had been suspended.
Maiden went on to say that she had adopted the dog from the Page County Animal Shelter and showed the deputy photos from a time when Rosie appeared to be in good health.
According to Maiden, Rosie had stopped eating and drinking “approximately a week to two weeks ago.”
Deputy Corbin advised Maiden to find a way to immediately transport the dog to Veterinary Emergency Services in Verona, and that he would follow up with her that evening.
At approximately 9:45 p.m., the emergency vet confirmed Rosie’s arrival and that she was undergoing a thorough medical evaluation.
Just before 11:30 p.m., the deputy spoke with veterinarian Dr. Evyman Prado-Sanchez, via phone.
The doctor advised that, according to Maiden, Rosie had been drinking excessively and urinating frequently, but had not shown any significant behavioral changes after being treated for weight issues at Rockingham Veterinary Clinic in August. During that visit, Rosie was given deworming medication and her weight had been recorded at 65 lbs.
During the call with the deputy, Prado-Sanchez advised that Rosie currently weighed only 35 lbs. She indicated that the dog could be suffering from either a treatable pancreatic issue or non-treatable kidney failure, but either condition could not have developed within just a few days.
Pending blood work to rule out any medical issues, Prado-Sanchez advised that the most humane option for the dog would be euthanasia.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT - Photo of Rosie on October 24, 2024.
Remembering Rosie
Page Paws, a local non-profit animal advocacy group that works with the Page County Animal Shelter and Page SPCA, posted the following announcement on their Facebook page in November (post edited here for length and/or clarity):
Rosie left this earth guided by a caring vet team who deemed she was suffering upon arrival. A charge of animal cruelty was handed out yesterday, VA code 3.2-6570, a Class 1 misdemeanor. An investigation will be forthcoming.
We give high praises to the Page County Sheriff's Office, who responded immediately. Officers Boyd, Tiller, and Corbin have showed extreme compassion and diligence.
My animal welfare community is sickened and horrified that Rosie suffered a horrific and long death.
Email the sheriff and the commonwealth attorney. Please send an email, with Rosie in the subject. Ask for full prosecution of this case with the highest charges possible.
I am so so sorry Rosie. Help did not come in time. This is the worst thing that I have ever seen. I am so sorry you suffered.
I will encourage our community to stand up for you and all chained dogs. I will do something soon to honor you and bring awareness. Send that email. It’s how you can help and have an impact.
The post was shared and forwarded numerous times.
On the evening of November 20, despite cold and wet weather, more than 100 people attended a peaceful Page Paws candlelight vigil for Rosie, in front of the Page County courthouse. The service included prayer, readings, a moment of silence, and a closing song.
During a November WHSV interview, Gina Troyer, a volunteer with advocacy group Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge, made the following comments:
I could not imagine a dog suffering like she had for so long without anyone, with people seeing that every day and knowing that she was living that way and not reaching out for help.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a dog in that condition. I’ve worked with hoarding situations. I’ve worked in situations where dogs have been neglected. They live in horrible environments — no shelter, mistreated. I’ve never seen a dog in such poor physical shape as the picture of Rosie.
There are so many resources and groups to reach out to. There could have been an owner surrender. Somebody could have reached out and asked for food, but to simply neglect that dog and ignore it and allow it to suffer that way, they should be prosecuted for everything that they can possibly be prosecuted for.
Page County Commonwealth Attorney Bryan Cave told WHSV that after further investigation, the charges could be elevated.
I am very pleased with the outpouring of messages that I have received on this case.
Animals hold a special place in a lot of our hearts, because much like children, they are not exactly capable of defending themselves against some of our human being evils. They are our companion animals and rely on us to be their caretaker.
When you are prosecuting a case, you want to be sure — especially if you bring out a felony charge — you want to be sure that that is something that you can prove in the facts of this case. We are evaluating that, and we’re certainly looking as to whether or not it meets those qualifications, and that’s what we’re trying to establish at this point.
On November 21, 2024, WHSV reported that Maiden’s original Class 1 misdemeanor charge had been upgrade to a Class 6 felony (Code of Virginia § 3.2-6570).
Preliminary Hearing
On February 13, 2025, Sarah Beth Maiden, represented by attorney Scott Hansen, was scheduled to appear in Page County General District Court at 2 p.m.
Beforehand, protesters and media gathered in front of the courthouse as several deputies stood by, ready to maintain order, if needed. However, the crowd of about 50 was peaceful. It was an unseasonably warm day, and many in attendance wore dark blue “Justice for Rosie” t-shirts and sweatshirts.
On the courthouse steps, protest signs and banners advocated for the maximum punishment allowed by law for Maiden, and the increased legal protection for animals overall.
The small crowd was ushered into the courthouse at 2:20 p.m. Maiden, wearing a light blue blouse, hair neatly in a bun, was already seated. She did not turn to look at those slowing filing into the room.
Judge Kenneth L. Alger, II presided over the case.
Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Armanda Clymer called her first witness — the PCSO deputy who had originally performed the October 24 welfare visit on Rosie.
Deputy Corbin testified that, on that day, he had observed a barely-moving female German Shepherd on her side, chained to a fence near a pool.
During his testimony, he verified additional statements made in the preliminary report. When Clymer asked Corbin to review photos (of the emaciated dog) that he himself had taken, he momentarily winced.
Head bowed, shoulders turned inward, Maiden remained motionless throughout the testimony.
When it was the defense attorney’s turn to question Corbin, he received (and got) confirmation that Maiden had been cooperative and had claimed that the dog was regularly provided food and water. Hansen stated that there was documented proof that Maiden had made regular vet visits and had kept up with Rosie’s immunizations.
The second witness called to the stand was the veterinarian who had treated Rosie during the emergency visit.
Occasionally checking copies of clinical notes to refresh her memory, Prado-Sanchez went into detail, relaying Rosie’s physical exam, blood test results and near-comatose condition. The doctor verified that Rosie’s prognosis had been so poor, the only options would have been expensive treatment or humane euthanasia.
Defense attorney Scott Hansen asked Prado-Sanchez if Rosie’s illness could have been tick-borne in nature. The veterinarian advised that Rosie’s blood tests had shown no correlation to Lyme disease or any other disease.
“You just don’t get to this point without not receiving sustenance,” Prado-Sanchez elaborated. “I told [Maiden] there’s no other explanation other than malnourishment or neglect.”
In closing, Hansen stated that the prosecution had not demonstrated proof that Rosie’s poor condition was due to malicious intent on the part of Maiden, and requested that the Class 6 felony charge be lowered back to a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Clymer argued that proof was in the form of photos and expert testimony from Corbin and Prado-Sanchez — and that prosecution should continue at the felony level.
After consideration, Judge Alger ruled to certify the case and have it go before a grand jury.
Before dismissing those in attendance, Alger advised that Maiden would be escorted to her vehicle by several PCSO deputies. He proceeded to issue a stern warning for anyone considering harm to her.
“This court is going to ensure the safety of everyone,” said Alger. “Everyone deserves respect and dignity.”
What’s Next
Page Paws is hosting a “Remembering Rosie” event on February 19, 2025, from 3-8 p.m. at Blue Shepherd Spirits in Luray.
On March 5, a closed-session grand jury will decide if the felony charge should be sent to trial in Page County Circuit Court.
To learn more about Page Paws or to donate, visit pagepaws.org.