Inner Knowing Canine Connections animal cruelty investigation has led to the arrest of four employees after authorities say two Siberian huskies were allegedly starved to death at the Western North Carolina facility.
A Western North Carolina dog training facility is at the center of a disturbing animal cruelty investigation after authorities say two Siberian huskies were allegedly left to starve to death while several other animals suffered severe neglect.
According to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, four employees connected to Inner Knowing Canine Connections have now been arrested and charged following a lengthy investigation by the department’s Animal Crimes Unit.
The suspects were identified as Tiffany Dawn Jourdain, Brianne Michelle Hunt, Dianna Hope Hall, and Lillian Nichole Sparks.
Tiffany Dawn Jourdain
- Felony conspiracy
- Altering/destroying criminal evidence
- Animal cruelty
- Instigating cruelty to animals
- Bond set at $25,000 secured
Brianne Michelle Hunt
- Felony conspiracy
- Altering/destroying criminal evidence
- Bond set at $5,000 secured
Dianna Hope Hall
- Felony conspiracy
- Altering/destroying criminal evidence
- Bond set at $5,000 secured
Lillian Nichole Sparks
- Felony conspiracy
- Altering/destroying criminal evidence
- Two counts of killing an animal by starvation
- Five animal cruelty charges
- Bond set at $25,000 secured
Investigators say the case dates back to April 19, 2026, when authorities began looking into allegations involving animals being neglected at the boarding and training kennel. During the investigation, veterinarians reportedly performed necropsies on two deceased dogs and discovered both animals showed signs consistent with severe starvation and dehydration.
Officials said neither dog had food in their digestive systems, and one of the huskies had allegedly been dead for a significant amount of time before being discovered.
Detectives also claim multiple animals still living on the property appeared malnourished and underfed. Authorities said the investigation uncovered animals suffering drastic weight loss, including dogs, ducks, sheep, chickens, guineas, and degus.
The most serious accusations were filed against Lillian Nichole Sparks. Arrest warrants accuse Sparks of intentionally depriving two Siberian huskies of food and water, causing both animals to die. She is now facing multiple felony animal cruelty charges, including two counts of killing an animal by starvation.
Authorities also allege Sparks, Hall, and Jourdain attempted to clean up and alter evidence before law enforcement arrived.
Brianne Michelle Hunt is accused of trying to interfere with evidence by washing the remains of one of the deceased huskies, according to arrest documents.
Meanwhile, Tiffany Dawn Jourdain — who was reportedly promoted online as a trainer who used humane and science-based dog training methods — is facing separate misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after investigators alleged she struck a dog with a metal bowl and physically hit the animal while recording the incident. Authorities claim the video was allegedly used to demonstrate training techniques to other employees.
All four women were charged with felony conspiracy and altering or destroying criminal evidence.
