Brunswick woman facing dozens of animal cruelty charges after over 60 animals seized

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A 70-year-old Brunswick County woman is facing more than 20 animal cruelty charges after authorities seized over 60 animals from what they are calling "unsanitary and inhumane conditions."

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Brunswick County Animal Control responded to a property on Triplet Road in the county's Triplet area to conduct an animal welfare check, per a Sept. 24 press release from the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies from the office's Animal Control Division, Patrol Division and Investigative Division, as well as officials with Lunenburg County Animal Control, searched and assessed the conditions of the animals on the property and gathered evidence after obtaining a search warrant.

According to authorities, the search led to the seizure of over 60 animals found living in unsanitary and inhumane conditions.

The seized animals have been relocated for safe and proper care pending a custody hearing, officials said.

Diane Nave of Triplet, the 70-year-old owner of the animals, has been arrested and charged with 12 counts of animal cruelty involving companion animals and nine counts related to inadequate livestock care.

Nave is being held on a $10,000 secure bond. Her next scheduled court appearance is at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Brunswick General District Court, per authorities.

"This search and safe recovery of these animals was truly a team effort, and we want to thank each of the partnering agencies, divisions, rescues and citizens who made this successful," said Captain Joey Lopresti with the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office in the release.