Calhoun Prosecuting Attorney Nigel Jeffries stated that the home of Joyce Bowie of Big Bend, WV, accused of Animal Cruelty in a Calhoun case “Looked like a staged production of a horror movie.” That was his impression when he traveled with a WV State Police Trooper to execute the search warrant on her home after receiving the report of neglect and abuse. Following the removal of the animals Joyce and her daughter, Nichole McLaughlin, did a podcast saying that Calhoun officials had taken their “fur babies without justification.” That would seem to be the furthest from the truth once you read Calhoun’s Complaint, and the detailed story on the Mountain Statesman of the Taylor County incident, from a link provided to the Ridgeview News by Pat Laughlin.
COMPLAINT NARRATIVE FILED BY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY NIGEL JEFFRIES
On or about November 14, 2022, a search warrant was executed at 2781 Big Root Road, Big Bend, West Virginia, which is the property of the accused, Joyce Bowie. The search warrant was a result of an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty. Prior to the execution of said search warrant, law enforcement was made aware of possible animal cruelty and animal hoarding at this location from numerous photographs, videos, and complaints from concerned citizens in the area. Moreover, a resident of the property is required to register with the West Virginia State Police and various law enforcement officers have witnessed the conditions of the animals on the property on numerous occasions as a result.
Based on the numerous personal observations, as well as the photographs and videos sent to law enforcement, it was evident that the accused was hoarding canines on her property. Some canines were in kennels and cages while others were unleashed and able to roam free. Further, the photographs, videos, and personal observations of the approximately twenty-one (21) canines owned by the accused portrayed numerous canines in various states of neglect. Indeed, two (2) of the canines had clear signs of untreated mange so severely that you could observe the skin underneath of their fur. [Attachment 1]. The property itself, and the appurtenances thereto, are in a state of utter disrepair. The main structure on the property is unfit for human habitation. [Attachment 2].
The WVSP executed a search warrant at 2781 Big Root Road, Big Bend, West Virginia. Sgt. C.J. Weekly, Cpl Brian E. Young, and representatives from the Ritchie County Humane Society seized twenty-one (21) canines as a result. Some canines were locked up inside an outbuilding that had not been cleaned of animal feces and the canines were forced to live in and among the waste. Other canines were inside make-shift kennels. Several of the canines had no teeth; many had skin, ear, and eye infections; and others were later diagnosed with various ailments such as lymes disease and cancer. One canine had a cancerous tumor eating away his jaw and face. The veterinarian who cared for the animals has provided reports for approximately 15 of the canines taken in which indicate that many of the canines had been suffering with numerous maladies for some time without adequate medical treatment. [Attachment 3].
Upon further investigation, subsequent to the canines having been seized, it appears that at least one–if not more—of the canines located at 2781 Big Root Road came from the accused’s daughter’s animal “rescue” organization in Taylor County, West Virginia. Meaning, the daughter of the accused, at some point prior to the seizure of the canines, would have observed how bad the living conditions were for both human and animal at the accused’s residence but, nevertheless, continued to transport animals from her rescue in Taylor County to her mother’s residence. [Attachment 4].
Thus, based on all of the foregoing, the undersigned avers that Joyce Bowie intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly, mistreated the foregoing canines in a cruel manner and, further, withheld proper sustenance—including food and potable water—and medical treatment, necessary to sustain normal health and fitness or to end the suffering of those canines with severe and painful illnesses.
/s/ Nigel E. Jeffries
Nigel E. Jeffries
Prosecuting Attorney
Calhoun County, West Virginia
Ridgeview News received an email from Patricia Laughlin with regards to the Taylor County Abuse case that gives a great more detail as to the deplorable state of the defendant’s home and unbelievable conditions for which they were living. (Follow the link below) You may have to log in to the Mountain Statesmen which is a free publication.
ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
