- Virginia, USA -
~ Update: April 3, 2023
Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia, announced the successful prosecution of Virginia dog trainer 62-years-old SHAWN MICHAEL DEEHAN (pictured), of Orange County, for animal cruelty charges.
DEEHAN owned and operated “Global Dynamic Security” and “The Perfect Dog,” which is reported to be a canine training facility.
On March 30, 2023, DEEHAN “plead guilty to two felony animal cruelty charges and five misdemeanor charges of failure of a boarding establishment to provide adequate care for animals,” stated a press release by AG Miyares.
DEEHAN received five years with four years and six months suspended on each count for a period of incarceration of six months for a period of ten years to run concurrently for the two felony charges. DEEHAN will serve his six months jail term under house arrest. DEEHAN also received twelve months with twelve months suspended for a period of five years for the five misdemeanor charges.
DEEHAN is also barred from ‘owning’, ‘possessing’, caring or training dogs for the rest of his life.
Additionally, DEEHAN was ordered to pay almost $100,000 in restitution to the dog’s guardians and the Orange County Animal Shelter who have taken care of his dogs for two years. He has surrendered his six dogs to the Orange County Animal Shelter and they will be adopted by Police Units.
In March of 2021, a German Shepherd puppy, named Scout, was picked from DEEHAN’s facility after the guardian received a tip that Scot was in bad shape. Scout’s guardian then took his furbaby to a veterinarian in Fairfax County, who contacted the Fairfax Animal Protection Police immediately. They referred the case to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for investigation.
Sadly, Scout had to be put down due to trauma from being kept in a crate for hours upon end. Upon an investigation of DEEHAN’s property, the Sheriff’s Deputies found twelve dogs in crates and kennels standing in urine and feces with no bedding.
AG Miyares said: “I’m proud of the work of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Fairfax’s Animal Protection Police and my office’s animal law unit. Animal cruelty and violence will not be tolerated in Virginia.”
~ Update: April 4, 2021
The Daily Progress reports that on Wednesday, March 31, 60-year-old SHAWN MICHAEL DEEHAN (pictured below), appeared in the Orange County General District Court for a civil hearing.
As reported by CBS19, the hearing was to determine the custody of the six dogs who were seized on March 12.
The Daily Progress reports DEEHAN has been ordered to forfeit custody of six of his own dogs to the Orange County Animal Shelter.
The judge further ordered DEEHAN would no longer be allowed to possess companion animals or animals for training purposes.
Sadly, DEEHAN does have the right to appeal this decision, reports CBS19.
He is scheduled to appear back in General District Court on May 12, for a preliminary hearing on a Class 6 felony animal cruelty charge.
~ Original story March 16, 2021:
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post that on March 8, they were alerted to a possible case of animal cruelty involving a dog who was emaciated and with an untreated injury that exposed bone.
Following an investigation, a search warrant was then executed for the property and buildings in the 3000 block of Pannell Lane in the Burr Hill area of the county, and that are owned by 60-year-old SHAWN MICHAEL DEEHAN (pictured).
The Sheriff’s Office said that DEEHAN is the owner and operator of “Global Dynamic Security” as well as “The Perfect Dog” which is reported to be a canine training facility.
The search warrant led to the seizure of twelve dogs who were found in crates covered with feces and urine that caused urine burns to the skin.
The poor furbabies did not have access to food or water and at least one dog was severely underweight with untreated injures to all four feet which required emergency veterinary treatment.
DEEHAN was arrested on one felony count of animal cruelty, with additional charges pending.
If anyone has any information concerning this case is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 672-1200 and speak with Sgt. Angie Bonner. Thank you!
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.