Ben Madilynn
A Middleburg woman has been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty as a result of an investigation by Loudoun County Animal Services.
Patricia Mathis-Burby, 62, is facing felony and misdemeanor charges following the discovery of dead animals in and around her home and other animals living in conditions that were a direct threat to their life, health and safety, according to a Loudoun County news release.
Five deceased dogs were found in and around the residence, including those decomposing in crates adjacent to living dogs, according to the release.
In July, 19 dogs and six cats were removed from the home alive. At a Sept. 6 civil hearing in Loudoun County General District Court, Mathis-Burby permanently lost custody of those 25 animals. Custody of the animals was transferred to Loudoun County Animal Services.
The property in question, on Sam Fred Road in Middleburg, is linked to the White Columns K-9 dog-training business, and another Facebook account listed as White Columns Australian Shepherds.
Mathis-Burby has been ordered to pay $23,500 in restitution to Loudoun County to cover the cost of animal care, and as a result of evidence presented at that hearing, she received an indefinite ban on the ownership of companion animals in Virginia.
The conditions in the home were described by humane law enforcement officers during the civil proceeding as “extreme.” Urine and feces were found throughout the home, requiring the use of hazmat-style protective equipment for officers. Dogs appeared to have been confined in crates for extended periods of time, in litter and feces several inches deep and without access to food or potable water, while at least one cat suffered from untreated injuries, authorities said.
In addition to her own pets and several animals being boarded in the home, Mathis-Burby allegedly was also fostering animals for a Fairfax-based poodle rescue.
Mathis-Burby is scheduled to face the felony and misdemeanor charges in General District Court on Oct. 3. A conviction of a Class 6 felony carries a possible penalty of imprisonment for one to five years or confinement in jail for not more than 12 months, and/or a possible fine of not more than $2,500. A conviction of a Class 1 misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of up to a $2,500 fine per count and one year in jail. A conviction of a Class 4 misdemeanor carries a fine of not more than $250.
