Nancy Ellen Jinkins, 52, is also the director of Ardellen Animal Abode, a registered nonprofit animal rescue that lists its main address as Jinkins’ New Market home at 9531 South Congress Street. Her nonprofit was registered by the IRS in November 2016, and has no reported finances yet.
The criminal complaint alleges that on June 29 Jinkins’ home had to be condemned by the Shenandoah County fire marshal because the residence had “extremely high” levels of ammonia – a statement from the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office reported ammonia levels at 100 parts per million.
Jinkins’ home is listed as being 1,305 square feet in size. There were 31 dogs and 32 cats found inside the home, and 12 of those dogs and one cat had to be euthanized at the scene. The remaining animals were taken to the Humane Society of Shenandoah County and the Shenandoah County Animal Shelter for care.
“Most of these animals were living in small crates inside the residence covered in urine and feces,” the criminal complaint states.
One of the rescued kittens
Jinkins was released on a summons, and the conditions of her release require her to avoid using her nonprofit in any way except to dissolve it if she chooses to. She is also forbidden from owning, taking custody of, or possessing a pet in any way.
The 10 counts of animal cruelty stem from 10 animals found inside Jinkins’ home: Cheyanne, Cassie, Callie, Roscoe, BJ, and Chili, all pit bull mix dogs; Thunder, a boxer mix; Roscoe, a pointer mix; and Devin and Kitty, both orange cats.
A preliminary hearing in this case is set for July 21 in Shenandoah County General District Court. Each animal cruelty charge Jinkins is facing carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail.
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Officials condemned the home. When it was listed for sale in 2014, even though it was being sold in "As Is" condition, it was very cute looking. It's tiny, as houses in the 1930s were, but looks like it just needed some updates. I imagine now the 'original hardwood floors' that have survived 80+ years will now need to be torn out as they're saturated with urine. Looking at the photos when it was empty and for sale, I imagine what it must look like after 60+ suffering dogs and cats were stuffed inside by Nancy Jinkins who was touting her animal rescue and going to board meetings at the humane society.
From the realty ad: Custom built brick home built in 1936 situation within town limits, 8x12 covered porch, level back yard, original hardwood floors, replacement windows throughout, fireplace. Home being sold in 'As Is' condition. New roof in October 2012. Three bedrooms, 1.5 bath, large, level .29 acre lot. MLS# SH7835927. Sold 07-11-2014 for $85,000
· Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office Facebook post June 30, 2017 ·
On 6/29/2017 at approximately 1:00 pm the SCSO responded to the 9500 block of South Congress Street, New Market, VA for a welfare check on animals. The call was reported by a concerned citizen. Deputies arrived and identified a 52 year old female at the residence.
During the course of the investigation Deputies from the SCSO Animal Control division found 31 dogs and 32 cats inside of the residence.
Several of the animals were found to be in very poor health and the conditions that they were in were found to be inadequate. Twelve dogs and one cat had to be euthanized at the scene by a Veterinarian.
The Shenandoah County Fire Marshal's office assisted with the incident and determined that the ammonia level reading inside the residence was over 100 parts per million, which lead to the Fire Marshal condemning the residence.
Deputies had to use protective clothing and breathing apparatus to safely enter the residence to remove the animals. The remaining animals were transported to the Shenandoah County Animal Shelter and Humane Society of Shenandoah County. Deputies were on the scene for approximately 11 hours processing the area and safely capturing the animals so they could be transported to safe locations for care.
The owner of the animals is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
The SCSO was also assisted by the New Market Police Department.
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Humane Society Board of Directors
President: Melisa Miller-Piselli
Vice President: Vacant
Treasurer: Tammy Willingham
Secretary: Millie Murphy
Board Members:
Jane Blair
Kim Ashby
Gerry Langland
Nancy Jinkins
To contact the Humane Society Board of Directors, call 540-984-7101 or email info@hsscva.org
The Board would like to thank all of the HSSC volunteers who give willingly of their time and talents to help the families and animals of Shenandoah County!
Hello! I was there on the scene and took 2 cats myself to foster. Just wanted to let you all know the facts. The animals that she was made to put to sleep were pit bulls who were aggressive. The humane society will not take in aggressive dogs and they will be put to sleep, which is what happened. She held each one and cried. The cat that was put down was attacked by one of the pit bulls and she spent $900 on that cat to save it. However it's jaw was broken and it was still having a hard time eating and should have been put to sleep rather than "saved". This lady has a big heart and drove to SC to pick up these dogs that would be on face book where they'd say "URGENT--DOG TO BE EUTHANIZED" which honestly, they should have been to begin with since they were so aggressive. She fell in love with the breed and was trying to save the ones that shouldn't and couldn't be saved. She spends thousands on these animals and was even getting quite a few treated for heartworm.
ReplyDeleteShe is devastated and it replays in her mind the animals she held being put down. Have some compassion and realize she was over her head,but truly trying to "save" these animals. She knows now that it got out of control and is getting the help she needs.