Owners of Injured Chihuahua Charged

Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 09/352/0121/LHC/(6)
December 18, 2009

Owners of Injured Chihuahua Charged

Franconia Police District – Animal Control Officers charged a Franconia couple with animal cruelty on Thursday, December 17 following a month-long investigation into the circumstances of a severely injured Chihuahua named “Justice.”

Crystal Stanislaus, 26, and her husband Jerry Stanislaus, 33, of 6490 Franconia Road turned themselves into police and were charged with the Class VI felony, which is punishable by 12 months to 5 years imprisonment and/or up to a $2,500.00 fine.

An investigation began after the couple surrendered 1-year-old Justice to the Alexandria Animal Shelter on November 6. Following a routine medical exam, veterinarians found that the dog had suffered numerous injuries and broken bones which were in various stages of healing. Doctors determined that the dog was in severe pain and a decision was made to euthanize. Fairfax County Animal Control Officers ordered a necropsy to be performed at the Virginia Department of Agricultural Services laboratory in Warrenton, and continued with their follow-up investigation. They worked closely with several area veterinarians and the Alexandria Animal Welfare League throughout their investigation leading to the couple’s arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

Crystal Stanislaus Jerry Stanislaus