CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) confirmed on January 16 that the dog involved in a widely circulated animal cruelty case is alive and was last seen by Animal Protection Unit personnel on January 15. The dog’s current location is undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation, but authorities say that the welfare of the animal is being actively monitored.

The case, which has drawn significant community attention following the release of a disturbing video, is scheduled for court proceedings. ACPD emphasized its commitment to conducting a thorough and fair investigation, including collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting animal welfare experts.

Acknowledging the strong emotions the video has sparked, police urged the public to avoid making threats or engaging in activities that could interfere with the investigation, warning that such actions could have legal consequences. ACPD assured the community that those responsible for any legal violations would be held accountable in accordance with the law.

See the recent statement and update below:

Update: ACPD can confirm that the dog involved in this incident is alive and was last observed by our Animal Protection Unit (APU) personnel on January 15. Because this is an ongoing investigation, we are not able to disclose the whereabouts of the dog. This case is scheduled for court proceedings at this time, and the APU is continuing to ensure the welfare of the dog during this process.

Message to the Community:  We are aware of a video circulating online that appears to show an act of animal cruelty involving a dog in our community. The Albemarle County Police Department takes incidents like this seriously. An active investigation has been underway to determine the facts surrounding this incident. As with all criminal investigations, our team is following established protocols to ensure a thorough and fair process. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with animal welfare experts as needed.

We understand the emotional impact this video has had on our community and want to assure the public that we are committed to holding individuals accountable for any violations of the law. We urge everyone to refrain from making threats online or engaging in actions that could interfere with the investigation. These behaviors not only hinder the investigative process but can escalate tensions, create safety risks for all involved, and can potentially lead to legal consequences. Because this is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to share specific details at this time, but please know that our officers are committed to handling this case appropriately.