Search continues for man wanted in New Kent animal cruelty investigation

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- New Kent officials are continuing to search for a man who previously lived in the county in connection with animal cruelty after officials said a dog was found to be severely neglected under his care in 2024.

The New Kent County Sheriff's Office said it has obtained an indictment for felony animal cruelty for 65-year-old Dennis E. Stewart, who has not yet been taken into custody, as of reporting.

This comes after the sheriff's office initially said on social media that it was looking for Stewart due to allegations of torturing an animal to cause its death.

The sheriff's office said the charge stems from an investigation by its Animal Protection Unit on Oct. 11, 2024, when a dog was seized from Stewart's care due to "extremely poor living conditions" and "life-threatening ailments."

After the dog was evaluated by veterinarians, officials said the dog was humanely euthanized due to the severity of its condition, which was alleged to have been caused by neglect.

The New Kent Sheriff’s Office continues to ask the public to report Stewart's whereabouts so that the indictment can be served.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the sheriff’s office at 804-966-9500.