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Greene County: 81 dogs seized at puppy mill, three residents arrested on felony charge

Crystal Graham
greene county puppy mill
Images courtesy GCSO

Three Greene County residents were arrested on animal cruelty charges related to an alleged puppy mill.

A search warrant was executed on June 10 at the Free Union address. A state licensed veterinarian, along with animal control, determined that the living conditions and overly wellbeing of the dogs was poor.

There were 81 dogs: adult males, puppies, females and some were pregnant, according to a release from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.

All dogs were removed and placed with dog shelters or rescue organizations.

On Dec. 9, the case was presented to a Greene County Circuit Court grand jury which found probable cause on all charges.

Three Greene County residents were arrested on multiple charges:

  • Nathan J. Yoder, age 67
  • Maynard Swarey, age 40
  • Luke Yoder, age 33

All three have been charged with:

  • One count of felony 3.2-6570 animal cruelty
  • 24 counts of misdemeanor 3.2-6570 animal cruelty

All three individuals are currently being held without bond at Central Virginia Regional Jail.

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.