The director of Assisi’s Animal Rescue Foundation near Manassas Park surrendered more than 100 dogs and cats to the county on Monday following a police search of the house the rescue operated from, said 1st Sgt. Kim Chinn, Prince William police spokeswoman.
No charges have been brought against Sandra Cortes, the 48-year-old operator of the rescue, Chinn said, adding that the investigation continues.
During the search, authorities exhumed animals that are being submitted to the state lab for testing, Chinn said.
The police department’s animal control bureau had an ongoing investigation into the rescue and was able to obtain search warrants for the residence at 7605 Old Centreville Road after someone who adopted a puppy from Assisi’s filed a complaint, police said.
The animals, many of which are puppies and kittens, are now undergoing medical evaluation and behavioral screening, according to Chinn.
“The animals have varying degrees of illnesses,” she said.
“Caretakers have to bathe all these animals and that is a huge job,” Chinn added. “Evidently, they were all filthy.”
Chinn said it would be several days before they are in the position to begin adopting the animals out.
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