32 Great Danes, including 12 puppies - some 'near death' - rescued from Virginia home

KING AND QUEEN Co., Va. (WSET) -- 32 Great Dane dogs were rescued from a home in King and Queen County ranging from poor to near death.

The King and Queen County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at a home on Owens Mill Road Tuesday, August 17 which allowed deputies to take 32 dogs; 20 adult dogs and 12 puppies.

Richard Awlasewicz and Candice Wheat, who lived in the home, were arrested on felony animal cruelty charges.

The sheriff's office said five of the dogs were barricaded in a small, dilapidated camper. The camper and the dogs were covered in feces and urine, the sheriff's office said, and there was no food or water in the camper.

They said the camper was extremely hot and there was also no ventilation.

All of the other dogs were inside the home with very little food and no water, authorities said, and the conditions in the home were so severe that the Health Department and County Zoning Office were contacted.

Officials said both agencies responded to the home and reported several health, safety, and zoning issues.

The dogs are being held at the King William Regional Animal Shelter.

The sheriff's office said there will be a hearing on September 20 to determine if the dogs will be returned to the owners at the King and Queen General District Courthouse.

They also said Awlasewicz, who owns 101danes, was arraigned on Friday, September 6 where authorities said he made unsubstantiated claims that two of the dogs seized are service dogs for Awlasewicz and Wheat.

Awlasewicz's attorney asked that the two dogs be returned immediately.

The sheriff's office said the judge declined the attorney's request and the hearing was continued to September 20.

The 32 dogs are getting veterinary care and attention at King William Regional Animal Shelter, who reported that the conditions are improving daily.