PRESS STATEMENT: Del Ray Attempted Dog Poisoning Case
Sentencing in Del Ray Dog Poisoning Case
Update to Original Press Statement (Below)
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 30, 2023) — On February 6, 2023, officers from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) responded to a call of suspicious behavior and attempted dog poisoning in the Del Ray neighborhood.
The suspect was quickly identified and charged with Code of Virginia § 18.2-144 maiming, killing or poisoning animals.
Due to the overwhelming evidence against him, the defendant pleaded guilty and on Friday, May 26 was sentenced to 6 months suspended jail time, 12 months probation, and 100 hours of community service.
“While some may see this punishment as too lenient, I see this sentence as sending a clear message that this type of behavior is not acceptable. I hope the defendant in this case realizes how much worse this situation could have been if he had actually caused harm to one of his intended victims and I hope he takes this opportunity to make amends through the court ordered community service. I would also like to thank the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for the work they put into this case and for taking a serious approach to crimes against animals,” said the AWLA’s Chief of Animal Services Tony Rankin.
“It is gratifying to live in an area where animal cruelty is taken seriously. I am grateful to our wonderful Animal Services team for their quick action investigating this case, and to our Commonwealth Attorney for prosecuting it to the fullest extent of the law,” said the AWLA’s Executive Director Stella Hanly.
The AWLA has worked with the City of Alexandria to provide animal care, control, protection and sheltering services since 1989. To ensure animal-related concerns and complaints are handled in a legal, humane manner, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria urges residents to contact our Animal Services division at 703.746.4444.
Media Contact: Erin Shackelford
(703) 746-5505
communications@alexandriaanimals.org
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Implores Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to Prosecute Attempted Dog Poisoning Case to the Fullest Extent Possible
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (February 20, 2023) — On February 6, 2023, at approximately 5 p.m., officers from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) responded to a call of suspicious behavior and attempted dog poisoning in the Del Ray neighborhood.
Thanks to the swift action of our officers, the individual seen committing the crime was identified and charges were filed. The investigation is ongoing.
“There are legal and humane ways of handling situations like this. As a resident of the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, I am beyond shocked that one of my neighbors could engage in such a reckless form of animal cruelty. Our Animal Services division is an incredible resource to the community and should always be a first step with any animal-related issues,” said the AWLA’s Executive Director, Stella Hanly.
“Attempting to poison these neighborhood dogs is reprehensible. People who engage in this type of intentional, inhumane behavior need to be held accountable through our justice system, as well as receive counseling for their mental health needs. This was a premeditated act, and we are encouraging the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to take this matter seriously, and prosecute the crime as a felony,” said the AWLA’s Board Chair Julie Conway.
The AWLA has worked with the City of Alexandria to provide animal care, control, protection and sheltering services since 1989. To ensure animal-related concerns and complaints are handled in a legal, humane manner, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria urges residents to contact our Animal Services division at 703.746.4444.
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About the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is a local 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to helping animals not only at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter (Alexandria’s only open-access animal shelter) but also across the community and throughout the country. Along with adoption services, the AWLA offers programs to reach and assist pet owners, including vaccination and microchip clinics, spay and neuter assistance, behavioral support, humane education, grooming and veterinary aid and more. More information can be found at AlexandriaAnimals.org.