Ronald Snellings - Bedford, Virgina

Jan 3, 2011: Accused animal hoarder ordered to undergo psychological evaluation

By Tim Saunders

The Bedford man charged with animal cruelty for having more than 100 animals in his house has been ordered to undergo a mental evaluation.

Back in September, Bedford Animal Control seized 74 cats and 28 dogs from the home of Ronald Snellings.

His attorneys are now asking the court to determine whether Snellings was legally competent when those animals were taken.

A doctor will evaluate Snellings and report back to Bedford court April 4th.

Snellings is facing misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty for what investigators call a case of "animal hoarding."

Should his case go to trial, Snellings' attorneys are planning to call veterinarians to the stand who can verify the Bedford man was taking care of his many animals..." More

Oct 2, 2010: Man who had 100+ dogs and cats removed from his home could get some of those animals back

BEDFORD, Va. —

The Bedford County man who had more than 100 animals seized from his home earlier this week could get some of those animals back.

Ronald Snellings faces only a civil violation, which means a judge could return some of the animals after a hearing next week.

Bedford County deputies and animal control wore haz-mat suits Monday when they removed 28 dogs and 74 cats from Snellings' house near Shady Grove.

At the time, animal control officers told News7 it was the worst case of animal hoarding they had ever seen. The animals were taken to Angels of Assisi in Roanoke.

Snellings is not facing criminal charges, but in order to get his animals back a judge must determine the cats and dogs did not face cruel treatment while in Snellings' care.

Snellings is due in Bedford General District Court for a hearing next Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

Click here to read the Virginia Code Section Snellings' is charged under..." Link