ANTONIA MONTOURI and her son FRANCO MONTOURI JR. face charges in connection with the horrific abuse of a dog who then had to be euthanized

- Virginia, USA -

On October 9, 2025, officers with the Vinton Police Department responded to 625 Pine Street in Vinton, regarding a report of possible animal cruelty.   

On arrival, officers found a dog, named Max, who appeared to have sustained injuries and was in need of veterinary care.

The dog’s guardian, 60-year-old ANTONIA MONTOURI, voluntarily relinquished ownership of the furvictim to Virginia German Shepherd Rescue. Max was sadly euthanized due to the sustained injuries and severe maggot infestations.

According to the press release by Vinton Police provided to Voice For Us, on October 16, 2025, MONTOURI was charged with one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty.

When I reached out to the Vinton Police Department to request MONTOURI’s mugshot, I was told that “she was not physically arrested” and that the “magistrate issued a permitted warrant with a scheduled court date, and she was served on that warrant accordingly”.

As the investigation into the case progressed, the Vinton Police Department later charged and arrested ANTONIA MONTOURI’s son, 24-year-old FRANCO MONTOURI JR. (pictured).

He was booked into the Roanoke County Jail and, at the time of writing, records show he was released after posting bond.

According to court records, ANTONIA MONTOURI is scheduled to appear in Roanoke County General District Court on December 15, 2025, for her arraignment at 10:00 a.m.

ANTONIA MONTOURI’s other son, Giacomo Montouri, operates New York Pizza in Vinton and he said that his restaurant and employees have been unfairly targeted following the animal abuse charges against his mother and brother.

Community members rallied around the restaurant to protest the animal cruelty case and continue to call for boycotts against the restaurant.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Vinton Police Department provided to Voice For Us. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Roanoke County Sheriff’s Office.

Max’s pictures shared from WSET

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