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
News Release: 07/316/1620/EJA/(3)
November 13, 2007

Animals Rescued from a House Fire

           On Monday, November 12 at approximately 2:30 p.m., animal control officers responded to 6919 Jefferson Avenue in the Falls Church area to assist the fire department. Firefighters working on a house fire found a large number of animals inside.

            68 total animals were located:

            54 dogs - 52 dogs were taken to the animal shelter

                            2 service dogs stayed with the owner

            13 cats - 7 died in the home

                           5 transported to a local veterinarian

                           1 transported to the animal shelter

             1 bird (died in the home)

            Officers served the residents, Denis J. Downey Jr, 51, and Mark D. Snyder, 31, with seizure and impound procedures. Downey was also charged with care of animals by owner and released on a summons. The investigation continues.