5 dead dogs, 19 others found in ‘tragic,’ ‘unsafe’ conditions at Loudoun Co. training facility

Kate Ryan | kryan@wtop.com
August 2, 2024, 5:50 AM



A photo of the conditions dogs were kept in at a Middleburg, Virginia, dog training facility. (Courtesy Loudoun County Animal Services)

A report from someone concerned about the welfare of animals on a property on Sam Fred Road in Middleburg, Virginia, last week led to a disturbing discovery.

When Loudon County Animal Services officers arrived at the home, they found five dead dogs and 19 others “in a situation that would best be described as a risk to their life, health or safety,” said Nina Stively, director of Animal Services for Loudon County.

Stively described it as a “really tragic situation.” ... “There is an open investigation to really understand how things got to this point,” said Stively. “Typically, when animals are deceased in an environment, this would be evidence that the situation had been going on for a prolonged period of time.”

The property is linked to the “White Columns K-9” dog training business, and another Facebook account listed as “White Columns Australian Shepherds” suggests that Australian Shepherds had been bred and sold at the address.

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Kate Ryan
As a member of the award-winning WTOP News, Kate is focused on state and local government. Her focus has always been on how decisions made in a council chamber or state house affect your house. She's also covered breaking news, education and more.

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