Henrico Police arrest man on animal cruelty charge

A Chesterfield County man is in custody in Henrico, under arrest and facing an animal cruelty charge.

Twenty-seven year-old Rodney Travis, Jr. had been flagged by several pet store owners in the region in recent weeks as having posted cats in distress and attempting to solicit money online. Henrico Police were notified by the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and Chesterfield County Animal Control Office and immediately began investigating.

Through community assistance and multi-agency cooperation, officers were able to locate the places where the content was being produced, identified Travis as a suspect and arrested him Feb. 13 at his home in Chesterfield County, with assistance from the Henrico’s Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Chesterfield Police.

Travis was taken to Henrico County Jail West, where he was charged with one count of animal cruelty. 

Several cats were seized from his possession and are receiving veterinary care, according to police, while investigators continue to process evidence collected at the scenes.

Police indicated that additional charges against Travis are forthcoming. 

Anyone with additional information about the investigation should contact Henrico Police at (804) 501-5000 or submit tips anonymously through Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or by using P3tips.com.