Teen Gets 12 Months Probation in Animal Cruelty Case

A Loudoun teenager was sentenced Wednesday to 12 months supervised probation, during which time he may not have a pet or interact with children his age or younger, the result of a conviction for abusing their family dog.

The 13-year-old boy and his younger brother repeatedly kicked the dog, an 8-pound toy breed, according to Loudoun County Animal Services. As a result of the injuries, the dog died. The younger brother was not prosecuted, but was assigned counseling for his participation.

“Loudoun County Animal Services works closely with Child Protective Services and the juvenile justice system to ensure that children involved in cases of animal cruelty receive the proper care, mental health counseling and guidance they need,” said Tom Koenig, Director of the Department of Animal Services in a press release. “We believe that with treatment or intervention, child offenders will be less likely to commit such crimes in the future.”

Animal Services can be reached seven days a week by calling 703-777-0406. More information is online at www.loudoun.gov/animals.