'Reckless Form of Animal Cruelty: Attempted Dog Poisoning In Del Ray Draws Concern

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An attempted dog poisoning in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood drew a call for prosecuting the suspect.

NBC Washington first reported the news of a family who was out of town and saw a neighbor throw meat into their yard on security footage. The husband came back and had the meat tested, which determined it had rat poison, according to the report.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which provides animal services in the city, said officers had responded to the incident around 5 p.m. on Feb. 6. The organization said the suspect was identified and charged.

"People who engage in this type of intentional, inhumane behavior need to be held accountable through our justice system, as well as receive counseling for their mental health needs," said Julie Conway, board chair at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. "This was a premeditated act, and we are encouraging the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to take this matter seriously, and prosecute the crime as a felony."

The family told NBC Washington they've tried to work on noise from the dogs. But the neighbor who allegedly left the poisoned meat in the yard left an apology note citing concerns about the dogs after police became involved.

Stella Hanley, executive director of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, said its animal services division should be the first resource for animal-related concerns in the community.

“There are legal and humane ways of handling situations like this," said Hanley. "As a resident of the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, I am beyond shocked that one of my neighbors could engage in such a reckless form of animal cruelty."