Seized

Rockbridge County Jury Deliberates Fate of 100 Animals Seized from Natural Bridge Zoo

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LEXINGTON, Va. – A Rockbridge County jury is now tasked with deciding the fate of 100 zoo animals following a six-day trial at the county’s circuit court. The animals were seized by law enforcement in December from the Natural Bridge Zoo, and the jury must determine whether each animal was cruelly treated or subjected to deprivation of care, leading to a “direct and immediate threat” to their well-being. To prove their case, the county only needs to establish one of these conditions for each animal. Animals that are not proven to have been mistreated beyond … Read more

82 Individuals Indicted in an Eastern Panhandle Drug-Trafficking Operation: Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Seized

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Ranson, West Virginia – A major drug-trafficking operation that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine has been dismantled in the Eastern Panhandle, with 82 individuals indicted by a federal grand jury. The case, which spanned multiple states, involved a network that supplied large quantities of fentanyl to the area. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher confirmed the charges during a press conference at the Ranson Police Department, where she highlighted the significance of the indictment. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 10 kilograms of fentanyl, as well as cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms, and substantial assets. Acting Special … Read more

Virginia Judge Orders ‘Disposal’ of Animals Seized from Natural Bridge Zoo, Citing Cruelty and Inadequate Care

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LEXINGTON, Virginia — A significant ruling was made by a judge in Virginia on Friday regarding the fate of animals seized from the Natural Bridge Zoo. Out of the 96 animals confiscated last month following an investigation by the state attorney general, 57 will not be returned to the zoo. The judge determined that these animals were subjected to cruelty or inadequate care, leading to their disposals. The remaining 39 animals will be returned to the zoo due to insufficient evidence supporting their seizure. The decision was the result of a case heard in the … Read more

Judge Rules 57 Seized Animals from Virginia Roadside Zoo to Find New Homes, 39 to Return Amid Cruelty Allegations

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NATURAL BRIDGE, Va. – A judge has ruled that many of the animals recently seized from a roadside zoo in Virginia will not be returned, following an investigation by the state attorney general. Rockbridge General District Court Judge Gregory Mooney determined on Friday that the animals taken from the Natural Bridge Zoo had been subject to abuse or neglect. As a result, 57 out of the 96 animals will be “disposed” of, meaning they will be placed with a humane society or animal shelter for adoption. The decision comes after Attorney General Jason Miyares’ office … Read more