The Newport News Animal Services Division recently concluded an investigation into an incident that occurred at Coastal Dog Services on August 26, 2017, which lead to the death of a dog named “Fenway.” As a result of the investigation, both the business and its owner have been charged with animal care and cruelty related crimes.
Furthermore, this recent investigation led to additional charges being placed from an incident that occurred on June 23, 2017, which involved the death of a dog named “Bruce.” In this case, the owner of the business has been charged and a new charge was placed against the business. Previously, the business and the Kennel Manager were charged with cruelty to animals.
The owner of Coastal Dog Services has been identified as Rick Joseph Tevelia, 61, of Newport News, Virginia. He was charged with two counts of cruelty to animals (Code of Virginia 3.2-6570) and two counts of a boarding establishment failing to meet the adequate care requirements (Code of Virginia 3.2-6518.)
Coastal Dog Services, of the 12000 Block of Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia, has been charged with two counts of a boarding establishment failing to meet the adequate care requirements and one count of animal cruelty.
All of the charges are misdemeanors; the charges related to the June investigation are scheduled to be heard in Newport News General District Court on October 25, 2017 at 1 p.m. and on December 13, 2017 at 1 p.m. for the August investigation.