Police Charge Lorton Woman with Animal Cruelty

Fairfax County Police have charged a Lorton woman, Pamela M. Beneke, with four counts of animal cruelty, after complaints by neighbors led them to a home with that was strewn with trash and animal excrement. Two dogs and two cats lived in the home.

The situation came to the attention of Animal Control officers after a complaint from neighbors. They responded to a home in the 9800 block of Hagel Circle for the complaint that some dogs were abandoned by their owner.

Upon arrival at the home, at 1:45 p.m. Saturday, officers found no one home except two barking dogs and two cats. Officers noticed trash, debris and excrement throughout the home. They obtained a search warrant and collected the animals, taking them to a local veterinarian for medical care.

In addition to Animal Control Officers, FCPD Safety Officers and Fire Department personnel responded due to the large amount of bio waste at the scene. They provided appropriate environmental and breathing apparatus for the investigators. The Fairfax County Office of Code Compliance also responded, inspected, condemned and placarded the residence.

Editor's note: This information was supplied by the Fairfax County police department. A charge does not indicate a conviction.