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Two women charged in apparent pet care scam
Fairfax County Police Animal Control Officers charged two women with two counts of grand larceny and six counts of animal cruelty on Thursday, July 24. Brenda Dodson, 30, of 7605 Centreville Road in Manassas, and Sandra Cortes, 44, of 4004 Rose Lane in Annandale, are being held at the Prince William Adult Detention Center in connection with previous charges filed by Prince William County Police.Fairfax County officers received a complaint on Friday, July 18 of several dogs kept in a vacant home at 6413 Vale Street, in the Alexandria area. The responding officers found six dogs without food or water and the floors covered in animal urine and feces. After immediately providing water to the dogs, police began an investigation to determine who was storing dogs in the abandoned house. There was no power, ventilation or water service and the property is scheduled to be demolished, police said.
The six dogs were taken to the animal shelter, where some of the owners eventually showed up to claim them. Several owners claimed they had posted notices on Craigslist, in search of temporary pet care, police said. Others were seeking good homes for dogs they could no longer keep. The suspects allegedly responded to these advertisements and took possession of the dogs under their company’s name, Assisi Animal Rescue Organization, according to police.
Police do not know how long some of the animals had been under the care of the two suspects. The investigation is ongoing. There are still three dogs that have not been claimed. The investigation has revealed that a white pit bull puppy, named Patches, is missing. Officers fear Patches may be in need of care and are seeking information on his whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES (274637) or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
Animal Control Services Supervisor Sgt. Andy Sanderson suggests pet owners looking for extended boarding or care consider the following tips:
Know who you are leaving your pet with: family, close friends or close neighbors may be wise choices
Ensure pet sitting service or kennel is bonded and insured
Read ratings and reviews of pet sitting service companies that you are considering.
Conduct tours of facilities.
Check for a business license.
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