Three former leaders of the now-defunct “Luck of the Irish” animal rescue were sentenced in Loudoun County Circuit Court Thursday, August 21, 2025, following guilty pleas for animal cruelty charges for crimes committed throughout 2022 and 2023. Nicole Metz, 52, and Kimberly Hall, 53, each pleaded guilty to five counts of cruelty to animals and were each sentenced to a 40-month suspended sentence; three years supervised probation; a five-year ban on pet ownership; a three-year prohibition on any involvement with an organization that cares for, treats or places companion animals; a mental health evaluation and subsequent treatment; and 150 hours of community service over a three-year period. Alex Hall, 24, pleaded guilty to three counts of cruelty to animals, and was sentenced to a nine-month suspended sentence, two years unsupervised probation and a five-year ban on pet ownership.
An investigation by Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) found that Metz and the Halls had failed to provide veterinary care and basic welfare to the animals in the custody of the Round Hill-based rescue. Over the course of two months, 105 animals were received by LCAS from the rescue, with the majority of them being held in unsanitary and unacceptable conditions in the Metz and Hall residences and approximately half of them infected with contagious diseases and/or parasites.
In testimony during the sentencing hearing, LCAS Director Nina Stively indicated that a number of animals were also recovered from the homes with broken bones and other untreated medical conditions, while others died in the rescue’s care without receiving veterinary treatment and were buried in mass graves between the two residential properties.
“Thanks to the successful intervention by Loudoun County Animal Services, over 100 animals were removed from deplorable conditions and the perpetrators were held accountable for their crimes,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson. “The professionalism and dedication of Loudoun County Animal Services led to almost all of the animals being successfully re-homed and put a stop to the suffering.”
In addition to failing to provide humane and adequate care to the animals in their custody, the Luck of the Irish organization was not in compliance with state and local requirements for an animal rescue. LCAS staff have emphasized that this case highlights the importance of oversight and regulation in animal rescue organizations to ensure the well-being of animals in their care. Individuals considering adoption from a pet rescue are encouraged to visit the Loudoun County website to understand the legal requirements of pet rescues in Virginia and ensure that the rescue they are working with is in compliance with the law.
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