For Immediate Release
Kevin Sanders Sentenced in Animal Cruelty Case
On Thursday, June 11, Kevin Sanders was sentenced to five years in prison on the Class 6 felony animal cruelty conviction, with three years suspended, and 12 months on each Class 1 misdemeanor conviction, with all time suspended. The suspended sentence is conditioned on two years of supervised probation, two years of good behavior, completion of a cognitive behavioral evaluation and any recommended treatment, completion of anger management, and restrictions prohibiting animal ownership and employment involving animals. The defendant is also prohibited from contacting the victims in the case. The court ordered the defendant to report to serve his two-year prison sentence on June 25.
In February, Kevin Sanders pled guilty to a felony charge related to the death of a dog named Abigail while he was employed at Your Dog’s Best Friends animal boarding and grooming facility, located at 2000 Richmond Highway in Alexandria. In addition, the judge ruled Sanders guilty of four Class 1 misdemeanor charges for abuse involving other dogs at the facility – where he remained an employee after Abigail’s death – based on seized video evidence.
This case began on December 13, 2024, when our Animal Services team was contacted by an anonymous former employee of Your Dog’s Best Friends who provided initial video evidence of abuse and a dog’s death at the facility in July 2024. With support from the Alexandria Police Department, our team executed a search warrant on January 24, 2025, leading to the seizure of extensive video evidence. The investigation ultimately resulted in charges being certified by a grand jury and the arrest of Sanders on July 21, 2025.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria extends its sincere gratitude to our Animal Services Officers, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, veterinary professionals, and advocates whose dedication and collaboration bring this case to its conclusion. Their commitment to seeking justice for animals and the community was instrumental throughout this process.
Most importantly, we extend our deepest sympathies to the victims in this case. We recognize the profound impact these events have had on them and hope that today’s outcome provides a measure of closure as they continue to heal.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspected animal cruelty and the critical role that partnerships among animal welfare organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the judicial system play in protecting animals and holding offenders accountable.
We encourage animal guardians to do extensive research when choosing any animal-related grooming, boarding or sitting services or facilities. Find a list of things to consider and ask when choosing an animal boarding or animal grooming facility here.
Read more about this case
- The Alexandria Brief | Former Your Dog’s Best Friends groomer found guilty of felony animal abuse in dog’s death
- ALX Now | Alexandria man found guilty of felony animal abuse in dog death at Del Ray boarding facility
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION
Erin Shackelford
Senior Manager of Communications and Marketing
eshackelford@AlexandriaAnimals.org
(703)-746-5656 (in office Monday – Friday)