HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis says an elderly man has been charged in last week’s seizure of more than 100 dogs which is the largest animal rescue operation in the county’s history.

In an interview with rbs news now at his office desk on November 19, Sheriff Davis said the investigation began on November 14, when deputies and animal services personnel responded to a Winnie Lane home and found “countless” dogs on the property.

Deputies made contact with a man and woman living at the residence, both of whom Davis said appeared overwhelmed by the number of animals in their care.

“It was patently obvious these two individuals could not adequately care for that many dogs,” Davis said. “There was no attempt to mistreat the animals. They just became overwhelmed.”

Despite the conditions, Davis said he was “surprisingly” encouraged by the general health of many of the dogs, considering the circumstances.

After processing the scene and coordinating with volunteers and rescue groups across Virginia, deputies removed more than 100 dogs from the property.

Davis said the cooperative response included members of Henry County Animal Services, shelter staff, the local SPCA, and numerous humane societies and rescue organizations statewide.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Henry County Animal Shelter still housed 38 of the rescued dogs, with more expected to be transferred to partner rescues by the end of the week.

Following the completion of the investigation on November 18, authorities charged Mario Handy, 75, with 10 counts of inadequate care of an animal and one count of animal cruelty.

Davis confirmed the man is also the primary caregiver for his wife, who has significant medical needs.

Sheriff Davis said the scale of the operation brings up the need for a new county animal shelter.

“Our current shelter is quite old,” he said. “We’re working with county leadership and hope to see progress soon. This situation really shows how badly additional space and resources are needed.”

The sheriff encouraged residents to consider adopting from the county’s shelter or partnering rescue groups, noting that taxpayer funds alone cannot meet the ongoing demand.

“Before you go purchase a dog online, please come visit,” Davis said. “Our shelter and rescue organizations have tremendous numbers of animals that need loving homes and make great pets. And we are always grateful for volunteers and donations.”

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ORIGINAL STORY — November 17

HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — More than 100 dogs were rescued from a Henry County home after deputies discovered “extremely hazardous and unsanitary” living conditions during a welfare check.

Deputies with the Animal Services Unit responded to the residence in the 100 block of Winnie Lane at about 2:15 p.m. on November 14 to check on the animals and occupants.

When they arrived, they said they found a large number of dogs outside the home in kennels and a fenced area.

The conditions prompted deputies to enter the residence for an interior welfare assessment.

Inside, deputies said they found floors and living areas heavily soiled with urine and feces.

Accumulations of feces were present throughout the home, consistent with long-term indoor animal activity, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies determined the dogs were living in unsafe conditions and needed to be removed immediately.

Personnel from the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA, the Henry County Animal Shelter, and the Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division responded through the afternoon and night, working until 4:30 a.m. to capture, remove, and transport every animal.

In total, 106 dogs of various breeds and ages were seized.

The homeowner voluntarily surrendered all of the animals to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies are consulting with the Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office regarding possible charges.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Because the county shelter could not house all of the seized animals, multiple animal welfare organizations responded the next day to assist with intake, evaluation, and placement.

The sheriff’s office thanked:

• Old Dominion Humane Society
• Lynchburg Humane Society
• Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA
• They Rescue Us Rescue
• Operation Paws for Homes
• Daisy’s Legacy
• Remy’s Reign
• Doggone Happy Rescue

Sheriff Wayne Davis said the size of the operation was unprecedented for the county.

“This was one of the largest animal rescue operations our agency has ever undertaken,” Sheriff Davis said. “I am extremely proud of the professionalism and dedication shown by our deputies, animal services staff, and every partnering rescue organization. Their teamwork ensured that more than one hundred animals were removed safely and humanely. We are sincerely grateful for the assistance provided by our community partners and volunteers.”

Anyone with information about animal neglect or abuse in Henry County is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at 276-632-7463.

Information may remain confidential, and tips leading to charges or convictions may be eligible for a cash reward.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.