Va. man allowed to let dead rats rot on property

[October 15, 2009]  PULASKI, Va. (AP) -- A pet shop owner accused of illegally dumping 200 dead rats on his property in Pulaski County doesn't have to clean up the carcasses.

Retired Pulaski General District Court Judge Danny Bird said Tuesday that the carcasses on Alexander Nelson IV's property can decompose naturally. But Bird told Nelson that if he dumps any more carcasses, it's a violation.

Virginia State Police charged Nelson in June after 200 rat carcasses were found covered by tarpaulins on the property.

In September, the judge agreed not to convict Nelson if he got rid of the rats, and gave him one month to do so. State Police Trooper M.A. Newberry testified at Tuesday's hearing that Nelson hasn't complied.

The judge agreed to wait another six months and set another hearing for April 13.

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Information from: The Roanoke Times, http://www.roanoketimes.com/

[Associated Press]

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