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Animal Services

Posted on: July 25, 2019

Loudoun County Seizes 18 Animals from Lovettsville Home

Photo of Loudoun Chief of Animal Control with dogs

Two Lovettsville residents are facing a total of eighteen Class 1 misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty after a search warrant revealed a large number of pets in squalid, unsanitary conditions at the home of Jackie Howard Payne Jr. and Tia Marie Reid. 

On July 2, 2019, Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) Officers discovered 17 dogs and a bearded dragon living in conditions that were determined to be an immediate threat to their life, health and/or safety. LCAS had been alerted to conditions at the residence by Loudoun County Sheriff’s deputies who had been at the home earlier on July 2 investigating an unrelated incident. 

“The scene was very troubling,” said LCAS Chief of Animal Control Chris Brosan. “Every surface accessible to the dogs was covered in urine, feces and waste; they literally had nowhere to go to get out of their own mess.” 

All of the animals were taken into custody by the county July 2 and taken to the Loudoun County Animal Shelter for assessment. The Loudoun County General District Court awarded the animals to the county on July 10, enabling the county to offer the animals for adoption.  

The animal cruelty investigation led to the arrest of Payne and Reid on July 12. Payne, 55, faces 14 counts of animal cruelty; and Reid, 31, faces four counts of animal cruelty. They are both free on bond and are scheduled to appear in Loudoun County General District Court to face charges on September 4, 2019.  If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail for each count and a fine of up to $2,500 for each count.

Most of the seized animals have been adopted. Anyone interested in adopting the remaining animals or any other pets, or fostering pets, should visit loudoun.gov/animals

LCAS officers are responsible for enforcing Virginia state laws and Loudoun County and town ordinances that pertain to animals. Anyone who wishes to report an animal-related concern is encouraged to call 703-777-0406 or or report it online through Loudoun Express Request.  

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