Suspect in dog poisoning case sentenced

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Suspect in dog poisoning case sentenced
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By Leslie Golden | lgolden@alextimes.com

Alexandria resident John Romano, the suspect accused of attempting to poison a dog in Del Ray on Feb. 6, pleaded guilty on May 26 in Alexandria District Court. Romano was sentenced to six months suspended jail time, 12 months’ probation and 100 hours of community service according to a release from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

“While some may see this punishment as too lenient, I see this sentence as sending a clear message that this type of behavior is not acceptable. I hope the defendant in this case realizes how much worse this situation could have been if he had actually caused harm to one of his intended victims and I hope he takes this opportunity to make amends through the court ordered community service. I would also like to thank the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for the work they put into this case and for taking a serious approach to crimes against animals,” said the AWLA’s Chief of Animal Services Tony Rankin according to the release. No animals were harmed in this incident.

On a brighter note, now through the end of June, community members are invited to upload photos of their furry friends for a $30 donation per photo to the AWLA for a chance to be selected the 2024 Animal of the Year. All kinds of animals are welcome. Pets do not have to have been adopted from the AWLA or live in Alexandria to be considered.

The grand prize winner of the photo contest will grace the front and back calendar cover, receive a professional photo session, receive year-round invitations to AWLA events as “Alexandria’s 2024 Animal of the Year” and have their photo featured on transport buses throughout northern Virginia. They must be able to travel to Alexandria.

Additional winners will receive professional photo sessions and receive full-page photos in the month of their choice in the 2024 calendar. They also must be able to travel to Alexandria. For more information, https://www.gogophotocontest.com/awlacalendarcontest

 

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