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Woodbridge Raid Exposes Animal Cruelty, Drugs, and Exotic Wildlife

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. es-animal-cruelty-drugs-and-exotic-wildlife.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 2:05 GMT by wjla
      Locales: Virginia, UNITED STATES

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - February 17, 2026 - A shocking discovery in Woodbridge, Virginia has exposed a disturbing case of animal cruelty, illegal wildlife possession, and narcotics trafficking. On February 16th, 2026, Prince William County Police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 13000 block of Greenspot Road, uncovering a makeshift zoo housing a surprising and concerning collection of exotic animals alongside a quantity of illicit drugs.

The raid yielded a menagerie including a crocodile, a staggering 38 snakes of various species, 19 lizards, along with more conventional domestic pets like dogs, cats, hedgehogs, and birds. Authorities described the conditions in which these animals were kept as "substandard," suggesting a severe lack of appropriate care and potentially detrimental living environments. Details emerging suggest the property was utterly unprepared to house such a diverse and demanding group of creatures, raising serious questions about the welfare of the animals and the motivations of those responsible.

Brandon Lee Hupp, 39, and Megan Dawn Fox, 34, were taken into custody following the search. Hupp faces a litany of charges, including 15 counts of animal cruelty, 16 counts of illegal possession of wildlife, possession of a controlled substance, and the particularly concerning charge of possession of a firearm by an animal cruelty offender - indicating a prior conviction or finding related to animal abuse. Fox is charged with 15 counts of animal cruelty and 16 counts of illegal possession of wildlife. The severity of the charges underscores the seriousness of the alleged offenses and the potential harm inflicted upon the animals.

Currently, the rescued animals are under the care of local animal welfare organizations, who are providing critical medical attention, specialized diets, and safe haven. The species diversity presents a significant logistical challenge for rescuers, each animal requiring specific care regimes. Reptile specialists are evaluating the health of the snakes and lizards, while the crocodile is being assessed for signs of neglect and potential illness. The dogs, cats, hedgehogs and birds are receiving standard veterinary attention and will eventually be considered for adoption.

The investigation is now focused on determining the full extent of the operation, with police actively exploring whether the animals were being illegally farmed for profit or sold on the black market. The illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar industry, often driving endangered species closer to extinction and fueling criminal activity. Authorities are meticulously examining financial records and online activity in an attempt to trace the origin of the animals and identify any potential accomplices or buyers.

Experts in exotic animal law suggest that possessing such a collection of animals legally requires stringent permits, specialized housing, and demonstrated expertise in their care. The sheer number and variety of animals discovered at the Greenspot Road residence strongly indicate a deliberate disregard for these regulations. Furthermore, the discovery of narcotics suggests a potential link between the illegal animal trade and other criminal enterprises. It's not uncommon for individuals involved in one form of illicit activity to diversify into others, leveraging existing networks and resources.

"This case highlights the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspected animal cruelty or illegal wildlife activity," stated a representative from the Prince William County Animal Control. "Animals deserve to be treated with compassion and respect, and those who exploit them for personal gain will be held accountable."

The Prince William County Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding this case to come forward. They can be reached at 703-792-6500. The outcome of this investigation will likely have ramifications for both animal welfare regulations and efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking in the region. The story serves as a stark reminder of the hidden world of illegal animal ownership and the devastating consequences it can have for both animals and the public.