Published on November 18, 2024
Winchester police officers responded to assist the Department of Social Services at 381 National Ave. Donald Stover and Amy Carr were living in a residence that was deemed unsafe by zoning and inspections with three children. Upon arrival, a worker from the Department of Social Services informed officers of a deceased animal wrapped in cloth in the front of the residence partially buried. Officers entered the residence and found very poor living conditions, with animal feces and trash throughout the house. The Department of Social Services assisted with providing services to the family and relocating them. The animals were seized and taken to the SPCA. Officers removed two dogs and four cats from the residence.
Officers conducted a thorough investigation alongside the Department of Social Services, who provided services to the family and attempted to get them compliant with the conditions of the safety plan. Both agencies attempted to work with the individuals to improve the living conditions of the residence.
On November 8, 2024, Donald Stover and Amy Carr were each charged with 6 counts of cruelty to animals (Virginia Code Sections 3.2-6570) and 3 counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Virginia Code Section 18.2-371). Both individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Northwest Regional Adult Detention Center.