Cat abandoned in carrier behind virginia pet store, suspect identified through surveillance

Cat abandoned in carrier behind Virginia pet store, suspect identified through surveillance

by
July 20, 2025
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1 min read

STAFFORD, Va. — A cat was found abandoned behind a Stafford County pet store Tuesday morning, leading to charges after security footage identified a suspect.

At approximately 11:26 a.m. on July 16, Animal Control Officer K.L. Busch responded to Pets Plus at 2610 Richmond Highway, where staff had discovered a cat left near the store’s dumpster in a carrier. Alongside the carrier was a bag of dry cat food covered in ants, according to the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office.

The cat, later named Arkansas, was found unharmed but appeared frightened. Pets Plus employees brought the animal inside and contacted authorities.

Busch transported Arkansas to the Stafford County Animal Shelter, where it will remain as the case proceeds.

Using nearby surveillance footage, Busch identified the person believed to have abandoned the cat. Warrants for abandonment of an animal and inadequate care of an animal were obtained Thursday.

“The Stafford County Animal Shelter has a pet surrender program for those who can no longer adequately care for an animal,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Surveillance footage led to charges after a cat was found abandoned in summer heat behind a Stafford County pet store.

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