ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Roanoke Police Department Animal Protection and Services officers responded to City Dogs Boarding and Playcare following reports of animal cruelty, according to a search warrant obtained.
The affidavit states an employee told officers about a dog showing signs of heat stroke, including convulsions and vomiting. The dog’s owner had not been contacted, and no veterinary care had been provided.
According to the warrant, several other dogs were also showing signs of heat distress. Dogs were found in kennels and play areas where ground temperatures reached around 85 degrees. Officers said some dogs were huddling in corners and shaking visibly. The warrant states the dogs appeared to be in significant emotional distress.
The affidavit also describes conditions affecting employees inside the facility, who were said to be “visibly dripping in sweat,” with the feels-like temperature that day pushing into the upper 90s.
Investigators said there was no visible drinking water in one warehouse area where dozens of dogs were kept. The report also describes the presence of sewage water and open trays of cigarette butts in areas accessible to the dogs.
The affidavit reveals the investigation may not be the first City Dogs has faced. According to the documents, Animal Warden Beaman was already familiar with the facility, which had allegedly been the subject of a previous investigation into hazardous conditions for animals.
City Dogs owner Lynda Knezovich disputes the allegations. In a written statement, Knezovich said “many of the statements currently circulating are either entirely false or have been presented in a highly misleading context.”
Her statement says clean drinking water is “always accessible” in play and boarding areas, and calls claims of unsanitary conditions inaccurate.
Knezovich said she is cooperating with investigators and is confident that a review of the facts will demonstrate the facility’s commitment to the care of its animals.
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