Goochland County Animal Care, Adoption, and Protection on Saturday, February 18th, 2023 charged Byrd Rareshide, owner of The Byrd’s Nest Farm, with ten counts of cruelty to animals. These charges are an outcome of an investigation into the conditions of horses in her care.
On February 3rd, 2023 the County received a complaint regarding the “Byrd’s Nest Farm” Horse Retirement facility in the far western end of Goochland. Animal Protection Officers quickly contacted the facility and began an investigation. Animal Protection Officers worked with area equine veterinarians to notify owners of horses located at the property of the ongoing investigation.
Goochland County Animal Care, Adoption, and Protection investigates all animal welfare complaints and takes allegations of animal cruelty seriously. The complaint made on February 3, 2023 was the first animal neglect complaint made to Goochland Animal Protection for this property.
Animal Protection has been in continuous contact with the Goochland County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, current findings of the investigation were turned over to the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office on February 17th.
Even though charges have been filed in this case, it remains an active and ongoing investigation. Inquiries related to this case should be directed to the Goochland County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office at 804-556-5345 or mcaudill@goochlandva.us.