LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - A charge for misdemeanor animal cruelty is pending a hearing in Lynchburg after a viral video led police to investigate.

Lynchburg Police say around 9:40 a.m. August 15, 2026, officers received several reports of a case of animal cruelty in the 6200 block of Old Mill Road. The complaints stemmed from a viral video online of a man dangling a small dog by its leash and collar in an “inappropriate manner.” Officers spoke with witnesses and within two hours, identifed and spoke with the suspect and checked on the dog, according to police.

The dog was seized as a part of this investigation and will be inspected by a veterinarian, police say. The suspect, whose name has not been released, will be served with a civil seizure hearing date for a judge to determine whether

See Full Page