WOODBRIDGE, Va. — A 21-year-old is facing charges for animal cruelty after leaving several animals inside of a Woodbridge apartment after moving out.
On Jan. 25, a report was made with the Prince William County Police Department into animal cruelty that happened at the Riverside Station Apartments, located on Big Crest Lane, off of Richmond Highway. Through an investigation it was determined that the resident, identified as Paul Balletto, left several animals, including reptiles and domesticated animals, inside the apartment after moving out.
Animal Control Officers located both dead and live animals at the apartment, which were recovered. The surviving animals were treated and are expected to be OK.
Through the treatment of the living animals and the necropsies of the dead reptiles it was revealed that the animals had not received proper care for an extended period of time.
Following the conclusion of the investigation on Sunday, Balletto was charged with five counts of animal cruelty and five counts of animal abandonment, the police department said.
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