Loudoun Officials Investigate 3rd Cat Shooting Since Early April

ASHBURN, VA — Loudoun County Animal Services is investigating the shooting of a cat on Tuesday in the area of Tavernsprings Court in Ashburn. Two other shootings of cats — one in Hamilton and the other in Sterling — have occurred in the county over the past month.

The latest shooting ocurred between 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. The cat is currently undergoing treatment for its injuries. The first shooting occurred in Hamilton in early April. The shooting in Sterling occurred on April 24.

Officers are currently investigating all three incidents, which occurred close to each cat owner's home and during daylight hours.

The Friends of Loudoun County Animal Services group is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in these cat shooting cases.

The Department of Animal Services asks anyone with information about the shootings to call 703-777-0406. All personal contact information can remain anonymous.

Loudoun County does not prohibit cats from roaming. Given these incidents, though, Loudoun County Animal Services is recommending residents keep cats inside when possible and monitor them closely when outside.

If property owners are concerned about stray cats on their property, they are encouraged to call the department at 703-777-0406 for advice on management.

Under state law, any person who willfully inflicts inhumane injury or pain to a dog or cat and causes serious bodily injury can be charged with a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.