SARA DANIELLE BALLARD and MAKENZIE HOPE VIRGINI BALLARD arrested in connection with a dog who was found wandering in Caroline County

- Virginia, USA -

On August 24, 2025, 46-year-old SARA DANIELLE BALLARD (pictured), called Caroline County Animal Control to report that a small, injured dog appeared to have wandered on a property in the Belmont subdivision of Carmel Church and added that the dog had been wandering the neighborhood.

Animal Control Deputy, M. E. Bullock responded to the location and found a small terrier dog whom she described as emaciated, with open sores, pus draining from his/her face, and a strong odor of infection.

Animal Control Deputy, M. E. Bullock immediately arranged veterinary care, and upon examination veterinarians discovered two embedded hair bands tightly constricting the dog’s muzzle. According to the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, “The bands had cut deeply into the skin, leaving the dog with severe swelling, infected wounds, and difficulty breathing.”

On September 4, 2025, the sheriff's office took to Facebook to reach out to the public for assistance and shared two pictures of the furvictim.

At the time, Caroline County Sheriff C. Scott Moser said: “The cruelty inflicted on this innocent animal is disturbing and unacceptable. Our Animal Control Division will use every resource available to identify and hold accountable the individual responsible.”

A few weeks later, the sheriff’s office indeed identified the individuals responsible!

SARA DANIELLE BALLARD, and her daughter, 18-year-old MAKENZIE HOPE VIRGINI BALLARD (also pictured), were arrested on September 29, 2025.

A tip submitted to the sheriff’s office enabled Animal Control Deputies to identify the daughter as the dog’s guardian.

The mother was charged with felony animal cruelty, obstructing justice, and filing a false police report. After her arrest, she was taken before a magistrate where she was released on a $3,500 unsecured bond, pending further court proceedings.

The daughter was charged with felony animal cruelty. She was taken before a magistrate and released on a $2,000 unsecured bond, pending further court proceedings.

Court records show that mother and daughter, both of Ruther Glen, are scheduled to appear at Caroline General District Court on October 10, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Caroline County Sheriff C. Scott Moser said in a written statement: “Cases of animal cruelty are often heartbreaking, but this case also shows the power of our community working together. 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.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Mugshots shared from the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office

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