Domesticated squirrel 'being kept in a dark closet with minimal food' seized in Arlington

ARLINGTON, Va. (WJLA) — A domesticated squirrel has been seized in Arlington on Tuesday. The squirrel was being kept as a pet in a resident's home, and it was captured and transported to an animal shelter.

There were no recent bites reported and squirrels are not permitted to be owned under Arlington County Code Chapter 2-20.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington said "On top of it being illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet, it was being kept in a dark closet with minimal food and water. This is why we were called out to the situation."

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington says they have "secured placement for the squirrel. He will going to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who will work to re-release him back into the wild."

An investigation is underway and charges have not been filed at this time.