RENO, Nev. (AP) – Washoe County Animal Services seized 26 dogs and 5 horses from a property in Washoe County following an animal abuse investigation. The owner, Greta Anderson, has been charged with felony counts of willful/malicious torture, maiming, or killing an animal, as well as misdemeanor counts of failing to provide food, water, and air for a confined animal.
According to Robert Wooster, the field manager for Washoe County Regional Animal Services, an investigation is initiated after a complaint is filed. Investigators then assess the property to determine what needs are not being met or what abuse has been occurring.
If the owner fails to meet the required conditions within the given timeframe, local law enforcement may be contacted, a warrant may be served, and the owner can be arrested. The cruelty to animals includes intentional acts of violence toward an animal, causing unnecessary suffering, deprivation of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care, abandonment, tormenting, maiming, fighting an animal, and tethering a dog for more than 14 hours a day, in violation of local ordinances.
To report immediate animal welfare concerns, individuals are encouraged to contact Washoe County Animal Services. They are asked to include the location/address of the animal, description of the animal, the nature of the problem, how long the problem has been noticed, and their own contact information for further follow-up by an officer if necessary.
The case continues to evolve as more details regarding the investigation emerge. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat animal abuse and ensure the welfare of animals within Washoe County.