South Riding Father And Son Charged After Dog Suffers Brain Injury, Broken Rib And Femur

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A father and son from South Riding face animal cruelty charges, authorities in Loudoun County said on Friday. The county's humane law enforcement division filed the charges after a dog suffered serious injuries in Loudoun.

Authorities identified the men as 18-year-old Quentin Fischer and 65-year-old Henry Fischer. The elder Fischer is charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty while his son faces a felony animal cruelty charge.

Officials with Loudoun County Animal Services said they were contacted by the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C. earlier this month. The rescue alliance said a dog from Loudoun County was taken to a veterinary hospital in D.C with "profound and life-threatening injuries of a suspicious nature," according to a news release.

Authorities in Loudoun County identified the dog as Izzy, a 5-year-old "Shih Tzu type." Investigators determined that Izzy was treated cruelly and suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken femur, broken vertebrae, broken rib, dislocated tail, and vision loss, among other serious injuries. Authorities also claimed that Izzy's owner did not immediately seek veterinary care for her.

Izzy is still hospitalized; the Humane Rescue Alliance is caring for her.

Investigators with Loudoun County Animal Services Humane Law Enforcement determined that the Fischers were responsible for Izzy's injuries.

Quentin Fischer is scheduled to appear in court on May 27, while his father's court date is set for August 3.

Felony animal cruelty is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500, according to the Code of Virginia. Misdemeanor animal cruelty can lead to a 12-month jail sentence and a fine of up to $2,500.

In Loudoun County, instances of animal cruelty can be reported to Humane Law Enforcement online or by calling 703-777-0406.