'Rosie' Animal Abuse Case Scheduled For July 2025 Jury Trial
LURAY, Va. — A Page County grand jury has decided that the case of a woman accused of animal abuse will head to a jury trial this summer.
According to online court records, defendant Sarah Beth Maiden will appear in Page County Circuit Court on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Rosie’s Story
In late October, 2024, a two-year-old German Shepherd was the focus of a complaint filed by a citizen concerned for the dog’s welfare.
According to a report from the Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), photos of an emaciated dog were forwarded to Deputy Justin Corbin on October 24, 2024. At 6:30 p.m. that day, Corbin proceeded to check on the animal at the owner’s Sixth Street residence.
Upon his arrival, the deputy observed what appeared to be a severely-malnourished female dog, lying near a pool. The animal, named “Rosie,” was not moving, and bones were protruding through her skin.
The deputy did not see food or water bowls present, and began to question the owner, Sarah Beth Maiden.
According to Maiden, Rosie had had “weight issues” and was “unable to maintain a healthy weight.”
She explained that she had “intended” to take the dog to a veterinarian (and even reached out to a few), but was unable to actually make the visit because her driver’s license had been suspended.
Maiden went on to say that she had adopted the dog from the Page County Animal Shelter and showed the deputy photos from a time when Rosie appeared to be in good health.
According to Maiden, Rosie had stopped eating and drinking “approximately a week to two weeks ago.”
Deputy Corbin advised Maiden to find a way to immediately transport the dog to Veterinary Emergency Services in Verona, and that he would follow up with her that evening.
At approximately 9:45 p.m., the emergency vet confirmed Rosie’s arrival and that she was undergoing a thorough medical evaluation.
Just before 11:30 p.m., the deputy spoke with veterinarian Dr. Evyman Prado-Sanchez, via phone.
The doctor advised that, according to Maiden, Rosie had been drinking excessively and urinating frequently, but had not shown any significant behavioral changes after being treated for weight issues at Rockingham Veterinary Clinic in August. During that visit, Rosie was given deworming medication and her weight had been recorded at 65 lbs.
During the call with the deputy, Prado-Sanchez advised that Rosie currently weighed only 35 lbs. She indicated that the dog could be suffering from either a treatable pancreatic issue or non-treatable kidney failure, but either condition could not have developed within just a few days.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT - Photo of Rosie on October 24, 2024.
Pending blood work to rule out any medical issues, Prado-Sanchez advised that the most humane option for the dog would be euthanasia.
Rosie’s Legacy
The dog’s suffering and subsequent death sparked outrage among county residents. Local animal advocacy and rescue groups, such as Dogs Deserve Better and Page Paws, however, continue to honor Rosie’s memory with peaceful vigils, fundraisers and honest conversations about animal care and neglect.
Court Process Explained
Maiden appeared at a preliminary hearing in Page County General District Court on February 13, 2025.
The purpose of a preliminary hearing is to determine whether it is reasonable to believe that a crime has been committed by a defendant. If the judge determines that the evidence is sufficient (as the Honorable Ken Alger II did in February), the case is sent to a grand jury.
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Maiden’s case was heard before a Page County Circuit Court grand jury.
Grand jury proceedings are not open to the public. No judge, public defender, or criminal defense attorney is in the room when the prosecutor is presenting evidence. Witnesses can speak without fear of retaliation and a defendant’s reputation is protected in the event the jury decides not to indict.
No judge, public defender, or criminal defense attorney is in the room when the prosecutor is presenting evidence and explaining the law, and a grand jury only needs probable cause to return an indictment.
If the grand jury finds enough evidence to charge a defendant with a specific crime, the case is then set for a circuit court trial.
For a guilty verdict, a trial jury must have proof, beyond reasonable doubt.
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