Deputies uncover ‘deplorable’ conditions and dead dogs on Putnam County property

PUTNAM COUNTY, West Virginia (WCHS) — Two people are in jail facing animal cruelty and abuse charges after nearly two dozen dogs were found malnourished at a Putnam County home.

Deputies said the property was in deplorable condition. Sheriff Bobby Eggleton said they have received numerous complaints from neighbors about drug and animal-related issues.

Eggleton said an animal control officer went to the courthouse and deputies executed a search warrant in the 4200 block of Grandview Ridge in the Red House area. Law enforcement found 20 dogs, two dogs were already dead when deputies arrived and another had died while being brought to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Society.

“These dogs are starving and it breaks my heart. I mean, I wouldn’t do that to me, and an animal is like a child. That child, you’re that child’s caretaker,” said neighbor Roki Whitsell.

Whitsell said everyone in this neighborhood generally looks out for each other. He said he never saw or heard of the suspects.

“I really care about it when they find animals and one of them doesn’t have the talent and the other one doesn’t have the care. They don’t care about these animals. I don’t even know why anyone would want 20 dogs,” Eggleton said.

Eggleton said deputies found a dead deer hanging in the barn and dogs were feeding on the carcass. It is unclear whether this was their only source of food.

“We will not tolerate mistreatment, malnutrition and we will charge you because it is disgusting to think that someone would allow dogs to starve to the point of starvation,” the sheriff said.

19 dogs are being cared for at the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Society. A spokesperson for the nonprofit said all dogs were Parvovirus positive, very lethargic and not in good condition.

The shelter spokesman said they urgently needed medical supplies and dog food.

Eggleton said investigators found a gun during the search. Edward Parsons was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Deputies said he had an unrelated arrest warrant from Kanawha County.