70-year-old SANDRA ULRIKE LANDGRAF (pictured), is facing several charges after one emaciated dog was found running at large and two dogs were discovered deceased.
According to a press release by Loudoun County Animal Services, on the evening of October 31, 2024, its Law Enforcement Officers responded to a call regarding a stray dog who had been found roaming near Sugarland Drive in Sterling.
The furvictim, a 10-year-old Chinese Crested mix named Elvis, was “in extremely poor condition” and thanks to his microchip, authorities were able to connect him to LANDGRAF.
Officers attempted to contact LANDGRAF at her residence but the home was empty. As officers continued to track her down, they learned that two additional dogs had also been left inside the home for an extended period of time.
On November 4, 2024, Loudoun County Animal Services, the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office executed a general search warrant and “found the conditions in the home to be consistent with extreme hoarding”, stated the release.
Sadly, officials also found the remains of two Chinese Crested mix dogs named Kala and Taz.
Eventually, Animal Services Law Enforcement Officers were able to make contact with LANDGRAF and she told them that she had not been at the home since at least the spring of 2024 and that the dogs had not been provided with food or water since then.
It is believed that Elvis may have escaped through a gap in the property’s fence and “survived through consuming trash, rodents, insects and the bodies of his deceased littermates.”
LANDGRAF was arrested and Loudoun County Animal Services charged her with two counts of felony animal cruelty and one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. She was later released on bond.
LANDGRAF was set to appear at Loudoun’s General District Court on December 10, 2024, but failed to appear as she was ill.
A second court date was then set for January 2, 2025, but LANDGRAF failed to appear.
As a result, Loudoun County General District Court issued a capias for her, meaning that the court has officially ordered the arrest of LANDGRAF. She now faces the additional felony charge of failing to appear in court.
On December 5, 2024, Loudoun County Animal Services posted an update on Elvis and advised that “He ended up being adopted by the wonderful people who found him and called us for help!” According to the Facebook post: “Elvis had the chance to reunite with the Humane Law Enforcement Officers and LCAS staff who cared for him after he was found. We were all thrilled to see how well he is doing. His adopters share that he is making friends with all his dog siblings and quickly settling into his new family and life.”
Ms. Nina Stively, Director of Animal Services said: “This case is heartbreaking, in that the suffering of these dogs was completely preventable. At LCAS, we offer a judgement-free zone for surrendering a pet that you can no longer care for. We always want to support our community’s pet owners, but there is no excuse to move out and leave your pets without food, water or care.”
Court records show that LANDGRAF is due in court on July 3, 2025, at 7:30 a.m. for the review of the case.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by Loudoun County Animal Services. 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.
Pictures shared from Loudoun County Animal Services
