According to Prosecuting Attorney Nigel Jeffries, on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, approximately 20 dogs were seized via a search warrant from a property on Big Root Road in Big Bend. The warrant was sought as part of an ongoing investigation of animal cruelty.
The search warrant was executed and the investigation is being led by the West Virginia State Police.
Following their seizure, the dogs were taken to the Ritchie County Human Society. None of the dogs are currently available for adoption due to their conditions. According to the Shelter, the hoarding, neglect and horrible living conditions caused many of the dogs and puppies to have a contagious form of mange (some of them very bad), exposing all dogs to the possibility. They’ll be quarantined until they are no longer contagious.
Currently the Shelter staff are bathing the dogs 3 times each week and treating them with medication. Many of the dogs had lived in these conditions for greater than 12 years.
The Shelter is currently accepting donations due to the high medical bills, already totaling over $2,000 with 15 more dogs to be seen for care.
Donation can be made via PayPal at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=WWT5PA788UDPL Or donations can be mailed to 2220 Pullman Rd. Harrisville, WV, 26363
Unfortunately animal cruelty, neglect and abuse is a common practice in Calhoun County. Dogs dumped along the roads, left to starve, is a daily reality. It has been scientifically proven that dogs continually kept chained are more likely to become aggressive. They spend all day in the same spot pacing until the grass is worn away and they are left standing and laying in bare dirt or mud. Dogs constantly kept in kennels develop a condition commonly known as “kennel crazy” and can also become aggressive. The dog will often spend all day walking in circles or walking the perimeter of the kennel. Dogs need interaction with humans, play time and time spent out of their kennel or off their chain for walks and exercise. While a kennel is more humane than being kept on a chain 24/7, dog owners should compare the cost of an in ground fence to the cost of a kennel. The cost of a kennel varies from $250 for the smallest kennel to over $1,000 for a slightly larger kennel. The cost of an in ground fence is as little as $159 and includes everything you need to set it up including 500 feet of fence wire and one collar. Extra fence wire can be purchased at a minimal cost as well as extra collars if you have more than one dog. This fence can be purchased at stores such as Walmart, Tractor Supply or directly from Pet Safe. Pet Safe is a reliable brand and the brand I use for my dogs. The fence does not actually have to be placed in-ground. It can be run along plastic electric fence posts around the perimeter of the area you wish to contain. These posts can be purchased for as little as little as $1.29 each. Purchasing an in ground fence is not only much cheaper it is also more humane.