Following an investigation by Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) Humane Law Enforcement, two South Riding men have been charged with animal cruelty.
Earlier this month, LCAS was contacted by the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) in Washington, D.C. concerning a severely injured dog whose owner resided in Loudoun. The dog had been brought to a veterinary hospital in Washington, D.C. with profound and life-threatening injuries of a suspicious nature.
Officials say the investigation determined that the small lap dog, a 5-year-old female Shih Tzu type, named Izzy, was cruelly treated in Loudoun County by two individuals, Quentin B. Fischer, and his father, Henry V. Fischer, Jr. The dog suffered extreme pain associated with a traumatic brain injury, broken femur, broken vertebrae, broken rib, dislocated tail, and vision loss, among other serious injuries. Additionally, the dog’s owner did not seek immediate veterinary care. The dog remains hospitalized under the care of HRA.
Quentin Fischer, 18, is charged with felony animal cruelty and Henry Fischer, 65, is charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty. The two men are scheduled to appear in General District Court to be arraigned on the animal cruelty charges on separate dates. Quentin Fischer is scheduled to appear in court May 27, 2022. Henry Fischer is scheduled to appear in court August 3, 2022.
A conviction of a Class 6 felony is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Any person convicted may be prohibited by the court from possession or ownership of companion animals. A conviction of a Class 1 misdemeanor in the Commonwealth of Virginia is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
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