Reston Man Arrested for Killing his Dog in 2017

 

Mark Cochrane

A 61-year-old Reston man is facing several charges stemming from a 2017 incident in which his dog was found deceased at an archery range. Officers responded to the private Northern Virginia Archers Club Range, adjacent to Fountainhead Regional Park, on July 15 of last summer after someone called to report they found a deceased dog that appeared to have been shot with a firearm. The dog, a shepherd mix, had a collar, but no tags or any identifying information. Further investigation determined the dog did have a microchip, which led officers to medical records and a possible owner.

Animal Protection Police officers from our Animal Services Division worked with detectives to obtain and execute a number of search warrants related to this case. Evidence uncovered during these searches led to charges against the dog’s owner, Mark Cochrane.

Cochrane was arrested Wednesday by Animal Protection Police and charged with animal cruelty (felony), hunting or discharge of firearms in certain places prohibited, and dumping trash, companion animal, etc., on highway, public, or private property.

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