VENICE, Fla. ( WWSB ) - Venice residents are looking for justice after beloved community business owner Julia Ballard was assaulted.
Ballard, 92, owns and operates Ballard’s Farm Supply in Venice. She says Monday night she was attacked by three women driving a black Lexus SUV.
Ballard tells ABC7 she was kicked in the stomach when she tried to stop the three women in their 20’s from stealing her puppies that she breeds.
This is not the first time the women have been at the store, Ballard says. They initially tried to buy a poodle Ballard was breeding, but their offer was declined.
She said three puppies were stolen, a poodle, and two chihuahuas.
Thursday afternoon, community members dropped by the farm supply store to show their support for Ballard.
“She is a staple here. She’s been