CAPON BRIDGE, W.Va. — The owner of an animal rescue in Hampshire County faces more than 100 counts of animal cruelty.
According to the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, deputies executed a search warrant on April 5 at the Love Shack Rescue located off of Timber Mountain Road near Capon Bridge following a several months long investigation.
Authorities said the owner of the rescue, Sabrina Droescher, was previously given guidelines to follow in order to comply with state law and county ordinances pertaining to operating a rescue but failed to comply and conditions at the rescue worsened to the point where the living conditions were not suitable for the dogs.
Droescher has been charged with 103 counts of animal cruelty.
Members of the sheriff’s office and Hampshire County Animal shelter spent April 5-6 identifying and tagging 102 dogs. A veterinarian was also on-site.
Several volunteers from various rescues took possession of some of the dogs. There were at least three decomposed dog carcasses located on the property. The rescue consisted of multiple makeshift kennels set up outside in a wooded area, dogs being kept in cages inside outbuildings, in two separate houses, and some in vehicles.
Tuesday, members of the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office continue to work with animal adoption agencies to disperse most of the animals.
Police said search of the property led to the discovery of a total of 21 dead dogs in various stages of decay, most dumped on the property in trash bags. Droescher told deputies she was burying dogs under concrete on the property and there were makeshift concrete pads located on the property. On-scene operations, which included dead animal removal, are expected to wrap-up Tuesday.