Protecting animals and working with our community to prevent cruelty is what our dedicated field services team does day in and day out, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We believe that every animal matters—regardless of breed, size, age, or any other factor. Recently, one case surrounding one small reptile proved just that.  

In December, our Animal Care & Control Officers were assisting Metropolitan Police Department Officers with a search warrant at the home of Darnell Jones, 34, in Washington, DC, when they came across a snake. The snake was extremely underweight and appeared to be having difficulty shedding her skin which is indicative of significant husbandry and care issues. The subsequent investigation by Humane Law Enforcement Officer Michael Triebwasser revealed that the snake had been underweight for seven months and had never at any point during that time been taken to a veterinarian for proper care.

The following information was sent to us by the Stafford County Sherrif's Office:

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of William Williams III, age 24, of 141 MacGregor Ridge Road, Stafford and Timothy Hackett, age 37, of 72 Red Oak Lane, Hague, Virginia.  Both men have been charged with 1 Count of Possession of Pig Iron, while acting as agents of Northern Virginia Metal Recyclers.  The possession, sale or purchase of pig iron is a Class 6 Felony. 

From Manassas City Police Department:

On November 15, 2011, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Manassas City Police Officers responded to the 10200 block of Chervil Court regarding a burglary in progress.

Upon the officers’ arrival, they encountered a subject, later identified as Sampson Joseph Din, in the backyard of the residence. During questioning, Din swung an unknown object at one of the officers then attempted to run away.