Middleburg woman faces several animal cruelty charges after 5 dogs found dead inside home
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — Officials in Loudoun County said a woman from Middleburg is facing several animal cruelty charges after many animals were found living in "extreme" conditions inside her home, some of which were dead.
Officials said as the result of an investigation by Loudoun County Animal Services, 62-year-old Patricia Mathis-Burby is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after numerous animals were found inside her home living in conditions that were a direct threat to their life, health, and safety.
In July, 19 dogs and six cats were found alive and were removed from her home. All of them were taken to the Loudoun County Animal Services.
Five other dogs were found dead.
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At a civil hearing on Sept. 6, at the Loudoun County General District Court, Mathis-Burby permanently lost custody of the 25 animals and was ordered to pay $23,500 in restitution to the county to cover the cost of animal care.
During the preceding, law enforcement officers described the conditions of Mathis-Burby's home as "extreme." Investigators found urine and feces throughout the house, requiring officers to use hazmat-style protective equipment.
Officials said authorities found five dead dogs in and around the house, including some that were decomposing in crates. A cat was also found suffering from untreated injuries.
Their investigation revealed that dogs appeared to be confined in crates for long periods in several inches of litter and feces. According to Loudoun County officials, the dogs and cats also did not have access to food or potable water.
"In addition to her own pets and several animals being boarded in the home, Mathis-Burby allegedly was also fostering animals for a Fairfax-based poodle rescue," Loudoun County officials said in a release.
Due to the evidence presented in court, Mathis-Burby received an indefinite ban on the ownership of companion animals in Virginia.
Her next court date is in the General District Court on Oct. 3.
