FOX 5 Washington DC Animal control officer charged after choking small terrier in Virginia, dog euthanized: Police

An animal control officer in Culpeper is facing an animal cruelty charge after investigators say he choked a small elderly dog until it lost consciousness during a restraint attempt, according to Culpeper County’s Sheriff’s Office.

The Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office says it began investigating the case on Dec. 16, 2025, after the County Administrator’s Office reported a possible animal cruelty incident that allegedly occurred around Dec. 9.

Investigators say the case involves 31-year-old Harley Hall of Culpeper County, an animal control officer who worked under the county’s animal services department. Officials emphasized that animal control officers and shelter workers are not affiliated with the sheriff’s office and are not sworn law enforcement officers.

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