Kevin Ketcham Charged With 5 Counts in Roanoke Dog Boarding Probe

Q: With police detailing extreme heat and neglect, why does the owner insist the accusations are 'highly misleading'?

The owner says the allegations are “highly misleading” because she disputes key parts of the police account, especially claims about water access and sanitation, and argues the public is seeing incomplete or inaccurate information while the case is still under investigation. In statements cited in reporting, City Dogs owner Lynda Knezovich said clean drinking water is “always accessible” in play and boarding areas and called claims of unsanitary conditions inaccurate. She has also said the business is cooperating with investigators and believes a full review of the facts will show the facility acted responsibly. That defense directly conflicts with what police described in court records. Investigators said they found about 70 dogs in hot kennel and play areas, with a heat index reported as high as 97 degrees, no visible water in at least one warehouse area, sewage water, open trays of cigarette butts, and dogs showing aggression and emotional distress. Officers were also responding to reports of a dog with heat-stroke symptoms, including convulsions and vomiting, and documents say no veterinary care had been provided at that point. So the gap comes down to competing accounts: the owner says the conditions are being mischaracterized, while police say their observations and witness statements support cruelty and neglect charges. The investigation is still ongoing, and those factual disputes will likely be tested through the legal process.

3 articles · Updated · WSLS 10 · Jul 10

Roanoke animal wardens charged Kevin Ketcham with two counts of animal cruelty, two counts of failing to provide adequate care and one count tied to improper boarding-facility care.
July 5 complaints triggered the investigation after police were called to City Dogs Boarding & Playcare over a dog showing heat-stroke symptoms, including convulsions and vomiting.
Court documents described about 70 dogs kept in 85-degree conditions with a 97-degree heat index outside, no visible water, sewage water, cigarette butts and dogs in apparent distress.
The investigation is still ongoing as wardens assess the welfare of all animals at the facility, while City Dogs has said circulating claims are false or misleading.