3 Cats Dumped In Garbage Bag, Loudoun Officials Investigate

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County Animal Services is investigating the suspicious deaths of three cats found discarded in a black garbage bag in the McKimmey Boat Ramp/Point of Rocks area, the department said Wednesday.

The cats were discovered in an untied garbage bag on Sept. 27 and are believed to have been discarded at some point from Sept. 25-26. Humane law enforcement officers are investigating the incident due to the indication of apparent gunshot or projectile wounds on the cats. The cats otherwise appeared in good physical condition, according to county officials.

A $1,000 reward is being offered through the Friends of Loudoun County Animal Services organization for any information leading to an arrest.

Loudoun County Animal Services is asking anyone who is missing a cat matching these physical descriptions to contact the department.

• Cat 1: neutered, male, brown tabby cat.
• Cat 2: male, orange and white cat.
• Cat 3: spayed, female calico cat.

Two of the cats had ear tips indicating ownership, but no microchips were found in any of the cats.

Evidence collected in this case does not support a connection to the previous cases investigated involving the shooting of cats earlier this year. The Department of Animal Services asks anyone with information about these crimes or anyone may have observed suspicious activity from Sept. 25-26 in the McKimmey boat ramp area to call 703-777-0406.

Any person who willfully inflicts inhumane injury or pain to a dog or cat and causes serious bodily injury or death can be charged with a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.