Police: Dogs' Mouths, Legs Taped in Burglary

Two dogs were restrained with duct tape in a burglary that police say began due to a relationship dispute, according to Prince William County Police spokesperson Jonathan Perok.

One of the dogs was found dead and the other was injured, but has been returned to the owner.

Arrested Monday, Khanh Hoang Hong, 44, of 7567 Quail Run Lane, is charged with burglary, two counts of felony animal cruelty and two counts of grand larceny (animal). He is being held without bond and will appear in court June 13.

According to police, Hong is accused of breaking into another home in the 7500 block of Quail Run on Wednesday, April 17. Police say Hong used duct tape to restrain the dogs' mouths and legs and put them in the trunk of his car.

The homeowner contacted police to report the burglary, noting that blood was found throughout the house and that someone had entered the home through an unlocked basement door and taken the two dogs — a male and female West Highland Terrier.

According to police, Hong drove to the area of Copeland Drive and dumped the body of the female dog, which was later found in a trash bag with her mouth and legs duct taped together.

Police believe the suspect then drove to the area of Thoroughfare Drive, where the second dog apparently got out its restraints and was released. A passing motorist took the dog to an animal hospital that then contacted the burglary victim.

A search warrant was executed Monday at Hong's address, where evidence related to the incident was recovered, according to police.