Do you think it is right for the animals to live in these conditions?

My name is Karyn Aspan and I sit here and I am writing to you from the Chicagoland area. I have seen some disturbing things, but nothing like what is happening in the state of VA. I find myself at a loss for words after learning about an issue that Animal Control nor the Sheriff is handling, so I decided that I am going to contact every news station today to see if I can get help for the "Dogs in a Box".

I learned on Facebook the other day about a man named Mike Thomas. It was a disturbing photo of dogs that are living in deplorable conditions (I have attached a photo, pictures and YouTube video courtesy of Facebook page Dogs In A Box); these are only some of the photos. From what I understand this has been going on since 2010 and to date, nothing is being done to help these animals.

According to "H.B. 281
Update: The bill, H.B. 281, is now law. As passed, the law increases the penalty for a second or subsequent violation of the animal care laws regarding an owner's failure to provide adequate food, adequate water, adequate shelter, and adequate veterinary care from a Class 4 to a Class 2 misdemeanor. Penalties for a second or subsequent violation related to adequate space, adequate exercise, and adequate care, treatment and transportation are increased from a Class 4 to a Class 3 misdemeanor. The civil penalty for failure to sterilize a dog or cat adopted from a releasing agency is increased from $50 to $250.

Original report: H.B. 281, found here, would increase penalties for animal cruelty. Failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, exercise and veterinary care to companion animals under § 3.2-6503 would be a Class 2 misdemeanor instead of Class 4. Abandonment of animals under § 3.2-6504 would be a Class 2 instead of Class 3 misdemeanor. Any misdemeanor animal cruelty violation under 3.2-6570 would mean at least 5 days in jail" (Animal Law Coalition, 2011).

With that stated, why isn't this man being shut down and these dogs going to safety? Why is it that the politicians are allowing this, along with Animal Control and the Sheriff?

Please, I beg you to air this story and help us free these animals and bring this man to justice. The media plays a big role in making change and these animals are in desperate need.

I am giving you links to the Facebook page where you can learn more about this and a video of the deplorable conditions that these poor animals are living in. Please help us (the public), help them, I beg you.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/FreeTheDogsInABox
YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gQSze8f7Wg

Karyn Aspan