Animal Cruelty Case Brings Guilty Plea In Leesburg

LEESBURG, VA — A Leesburg man pleaded guilty Wednesday to an animal cruelty charge stemming from the aftermath of a dog attack at the boarding center he operated. Patrick G. Hagerty was sentenced to six months in jail with six months suspended by a Loudoun County General District Court judge. He also was ordered to abide by a set of conditions.

Police began investigating the case late last summer after the owners of a dog being boarded there said their pet was attacked by a much larger dog owned by Hagerty. Afterward, he didn't seek timely treatment for the smaller dog, which had injuries that became infected. He was charged with failure to provide veterinary care by a boarding facility (dismissed for his plea) and animal cruelty.

Hagerty also was banned owning any dogs other than the two he has for one year. He was ordered not to have contact with companion animals for one year, and pay $2,492.59 restitution to the owners of the attacked dog that has since recovered.

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