367 Animals Surrendered To Loudoun County In Hoarding Case

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Authorities said 367 animals were surrendered to the Loudoun County Animal Shelter after a woman was charged in an animal hoarding investigation. The woman, Cynthia Peer of Aldie, faces 118 total charges related to the treatment of the animals.

In a news release, Loudoun County officials said Peer's animals were living in "squalid, unlawful conditions" at her residence. Her animals included rabbits, quail, ducks, chickens, chinchillas, turkeys, and sheep.

After a search of Peer's home in Aldie, officers and medical staff with Loudoun County Animal Services said the living conditions created an immediate threat to the animals' lives, health, and safety. On Thursday, June 10, Peer voluntarily surrendered the 367 animals, county officials said.

In a report, Loudoun County officials said the living conditions were overcrowded, unsanitary, and overheated. The temperature in one enclosure exceeded 116 degrees, authorities said. Other enclosures were "filled with feces," and a veterinarian determined some of the birds were "at the lowest possible weight to survive," according to the news release.

Chris Brosan is the chief of humane law enforcement in Loudoun County. "The situation at the residence was very troubling," Brosan said. "These animals appear to have spent much, if not all, of their lives in tiny, filthy enclosures, with only enough algae-filled water to prevent death by dehydration, and tragically, this is all that the law requires for agricultural animals."

Loudoun County Animal Services is providing medical care for the animals. They noted the animals will be made available for adoption when they are deemed healthy enough. When the rescued animals are ready for adoption, they will be posted on Loudoun County's Pet Harbor page.

Brosan noted the living situation for many of the rabbits had become increasingly dire. "Many of the rabbits had lived so long in small wire cages that they had grown too large to be removed through the door to the cage, requiring the cages to be cut apart to rescue them," Brosan said.

Peer is scheduled to appear in Loudoun County General District Court on July 28, 2021. She is charged with 51 Class 1 misdemeanors and 67 Class 4 misdemeanors. The Class 1 misdemeanors are punishable by up to 12 months in prison for each count and a fine of up to $2,500. The Class 4 misdemeanors are punishable by up to $25o for each count.

If convicted, Peer could be prohibited from owning animals in the future.