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.

Recently Soroptimist International of Manassas sponsored a public awareness program to shine a light on a serious issue affecting women and girls in the Prince William area, and around the world:  human and sex trafficking. 

The event, held in the Verizon Auditorium on George Mason University’s Prince William Campus, featured the documentary “Call + Response,” followed by a panel of experts.

Kathleen Darabond, FBI Special Agent, Washington Field office, described how the agency works closely with local law enforcement to stop sex trafficking and curb gang activity in our area.

Captain Hans Mumm, US Army Retired, an expert in the area of modern day slave labor, related a story of a perpetrator who used Facebook like a shopping catalogue to find, “friend” and groom minors. He also proposed asking banks to donate foreclosed properties to be safe houses for women, turning their dead assets into tax deductions.