Note: Some of the images in the above video could be disturbing.
SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A woman in Suffolk faces more than 121 animal cruelty charges after authorities seized 47 animals in her care.
Ashley Brinkley and Lindsey Darden appear to have been starting their own animal rescue in Suffolk, however, court documents suggested it was anything but a haven for these animals.
Court documents show Ashley Brinkley, 33, and another woman, Lindsey Darden, had applied for, and were granted, a license to run a business they called B’s Haven Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. It was incorporated in January 2024.
However, 10 months later, on Oct. 19, 2024, Suffolk Animal Control seized 19 dogs, 11 puppies, 15 cats and two kittens in their care inside a home in rural Suffolk.
Pictures show dogs in cages stacked on top of each other in a small room. Pictures also show evidence of mange, and one disturbing photo shows a dog’s bloody ear, with a piece of the ear missing.
A civil case was held because the two wanted to keep a couple of the dogs that were seized. In January 2025, the two obtained medical notes stating they would benefit from therapy or emotional support animals.
Though the animals had been seized, Brinkley and Darden signed an agreement to lease the commercial property at 111 Washington St. in Suffolk to take effect in late January.
Brinkley was arrested on 121 animal cruelty charges, including torture of an animal causing death, inadequate food, water and shelter and inadequate space for exercise and care.
Brinkley was arrested April 6 and bonded out the next day on $5,000 bond.
She will be in court again April 16 for determination of council on that civil case.