WINTON – The trial date for two PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) employees has been continued.

The trial was originally slated to begin today in Hertford County.

According to District Attorney Valerie Mitchell Asbell, the prosecution and defense mutually requested the case be continued.

Adria Joy Hinkle, 27, of Norfolk, Virginia and Andrew Benjamin Cook, 24, of Virginia Beach, Va. stand accused on a combined 62 felony counts of cruelty to animals and eight counts each of illegal disposal of animals. An additional charge of illegal trespassing was later filed against both individuals.

Asbell said she was waiting for lab results to return and thus joined in the motion to continue the case.

The judge signed the continuation order before today’s case was to be heard because it was a joint request.

A new date for the trial will be set when the signed order is entered today.