Over 100 Animals Seized In Loudoun Animal Cruelty Case Leading To Sentences

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Three leaders of a former animal rescue based in Loudoun County have been sentenced Thursday in an animal cruelty case, according to Loudoun County Animal Services.

The sentencing in Loudoun County Circuit Court follows Nicole Metz, 52, and Kimberly Hall, 53, pleading guilty to five counts of cruelty to animals and Alex Hall, 24, pleading guilty to three counts of cruelty to animals. They were involved in the "Luck of the Irish" animal rescue based in Round Hill.

Metz and Kimberly Hall were sentenced to a 40-month suspended sentence, three years supervised probation, a five-year ban on pet ownership; a three-year prohibition on being involved in an organization that cares for, treats or places companion animals, a mental health evaluation and treatment, and 150 hours of community service over three years. Alex Hall was sentenced to a nine-month suspended sentence, two years unsupervised probation and a five-year ban on pet ownership.

The charges stemmed from 2022 and 2023 crimes. Loudoun County Animal Services had conducted an investigation and found that Metz and the Halls did not provide veterinary care and basic welfare to the animals in the rescue's custody. Loudoun County Animal Rescues received 105 animals from the rescue, with most coming from unsanitary and unacceptable conditions in the defendants' homes. About half of the animals were infected with contagious diseases or parasites.

Loudoun County Animal Services Director Nina Stively testified that some animals recovered from the homes had broken bones and other untreated medical conditions. Other animals had died in the rescue's care after not receiving veterinary treatment. The deceased animals were buried in mass graves between the two homes.

"Thanks to the successful intervention by Loudoun County Animal Services, over 100 animals were removed from deplorable conditions and the perpetrators were held accountable for their crimes," said Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson in a statement. "The professionalism and dedication of Loudoun County Animal Services led to almost all of the animals being successfully re-homed and put a stop to the suffering."

Loudoun County Animal Services said the animal rescue also did not meet state and local requirements. The county service stressed the importance of oversight for animal rescue organizations to ensure the animals are being well cared for.