Caroline mother, daughter charged after emaciated dog found with hair bands on muzzle
VENN
CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A Caroline County mother and daughter are facing animal cruelty charges after an emaciated dog was found with hair bands wrapped around and embedded into its muzzle.
On Sunday, Aug. 24, a "concerned citizen" reported that she had found a small, injured white terrier wandering in the Belmont subdivision of Carmel Church.
A responding deputy with the Caroline County Sheriff's Office described the dog as "emaciated, with open sores, pus draining from its face and a strong odor of infection." Veterinarians later found hair bands around the dog's muzzle -- which authorities said were put there "in a cruel attempt to stop the dog from barking."
The hair bands had cut deeply into the skin, causing swelling and infection. The dog was also experiencing difficulty breathing.
(Photo: Caroline County Sheriff’s Office)
(Photo: Caroline County Sheriff’s Office)
The sheriff's office asked for the public's help in identifying the dog's owner. After receiving a tip from a resident, authorities identified 18-year-old MaKenzie Ballard of Caroline County as that owner.
MaKenzie Ballard is the daughter of 46-year-old Sara Ballard of Caroline County, the "concerned citizen" who claimed to have found the dog wandering in the neighborhood, authorities said.
Further investigation into this incident led to both MaKenzie and Sara Ballard being charged. MaKenzie Ballard was charged with felony animal cruelty, while Sara Ballard was charged with felony animal cruelty, obstructing justice and filing a false police report.
Man wanted for murder after deadly shooting near Petersburg gas station
“Cases of animal cruelty are often heartbreaking, but this case also shows the power of our community working together," said Caroline Sheriff Scott Moser in an Oct. 1 Facebook post. "Because one citizen came forward, we were able to uncover what we believe to be the truth and take action. We are grateful for the public’s support and remain committed to protecting both the people and animals of Caroline County.”
Both MaKenzie and Sara Ballard are out on bond pending their next court appearances.
