RICHMOND, VA - Irina Barrett, a resident of Fauquier County, has been found guilty of 60 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. The verdict was delivered by a jury in Fauquier County, and Barrett is scheduled to be sentenced in February 2024.
The case dates back to January 2020 when the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant following reports of gross neglect of an 8-month-old Doberman Puppy named Yeva. The investigation revealed that Yeva had been deprived of food and veterinary treatment. Upon entering Barrett's residence, authorities discovered 75 other Dobermans and French Bulldogs living in deplorable conditions with serious health issues.
"Our animal cruelty laws exist to protect pets from a life of abuse and neglect. I'm thrilled that this heartbreaking story has a happy ending because of the hard work and dedication of my office," stated Attorney General Jason Miyares.
The abused dogs have been under the care of the Fauquier SPCA since January 2020. The trial was prosecuted by Michelle Welch, Senior Assistant Attorney General, and Kelci Block, Assistant Attorney General from the Attorney General's Animal Law Unit.
Attorney General Miyares expressed his gratitude to the various agencies and organizations that assisted in the case. He specifically thanked the Fauquier Sheriff's Office, the Fauquier Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, the Fauquier SPCA, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Warrenton Regional Laboratory, the Virginia Department of Forensic Science, and the Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore County Animal Services, and Stafford Sheriff's Office for their support and cooperation.
The conviction of Irina Barrett serves as a reminder of the importance of animal cruelty laws in protecting innocent animals. The Attorney General's Office is committed to upholding these laws and ensuring that those who engage in such acts of cruelty face the consequences of their actions.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/2646-november-20-2023-attorney-general-miyares-prosecutes-fauquier-county-puppy-mill