SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Four employees at a local dog kennel were arrested after a Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Crimes Unit investigation found foul play in the deaths of two dogs and the starvation of several other animals.
What happened at Inner Knowing Canine Connections?
In a May 7 press release, BCSO reported that after two dogs were found dead at Inner Knowing Canine Connections, a Swannanoa boarding and training kennel, necropsy revealed signs of starvation and dehydration. One of the dogs had been dead for an extended period of time. Upon further investigation, ACU officers discovered other animals who had suffered from lack of food, resulting in “severe weight loss.”
Who was arrested in the animal cruelty case?
The investigation led to the arrest of four Inner Knowing employees: Tiffany Dawn Jourdain, Brianne Michelle Hunt, Diana Hope Hall and Lillian Nichole Sparks.
Jourdain was booked on a $25,000 bond and charged with:
- Alter/Steal/Dest Criminal Evidence
- Felony Conspiracy
- Animal Cruelty (M)
- Instigate Cruelty to Animals
Hunt was booked on a $5,000 bond and charged with:
- Alter/Steal/Dest Criminal Evidence
- Felony Conspiracy
Hall was booked on a $5,000 bond and charged with:
- Alter/Steal/Dest Criminal Evidence
- Felony Conspiracy
Sparks was booked on a $25,000 bond and charged with:
- Alter/Steal/Dest Criminal Evidence
- Felony Conspiracy
- Two counts of Kill Animal by Starvation
- Five counts of Cruelty to Animals
“The Animal Crimes Unit is dedicated to thoroughly investigating cases of animal neglect and cruelty to gather all necessary facts for informed decision-making,” said BCSO District 1 Captain Dustan Auldredge in a press release. “Their diligent efforts during the investigation have led to criminal charges against the individuals involved. We encourage anyone with information about animal cruelty or neglect to report it.”