VALLEY HEAD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A couple is facing charges after several animals both alive and dead were found in various states of deterioration at a Randolph County residence.
According to reports from Deputy Wolfe of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, the office responded to a complaint of animal cruelty at the Lansberry residence in Valley Head.
Upon arriving on the scene, Deputy Wolfe observed a dog in a small crate, covered in feces with no food or water.
A dog and kitten could be seen in a closed-in area through the garage window with no food or water.
Two dogs were found chained to trees, one with a container of dirty water, one with no food or water at all.
A young dog was found in a kennel with water but with a lack of shelter from the outside elements.
Several cages and kennels could be see throughout the area containing carcasses of animals in varying states of decay.
Two decaying cow carcasses were also found next to a creek behind the residence.
A fenced in area of the yard containing several farm animals could be observed, one of which was a sheep wrapped in a T-shirt.
The sheep had suffered a severe injury to its front legs and was unable to walk. According to a neighbor, these injuries stemmed from an attack by a dog the sheep had suffered the previous day.
”The sheep was left to suffer for a full day,” says Deputy Wolfe, who was left with no recourse but to mercifully execute the animal.
”I was forced to end the suffering of this sheep.”
The filing of criminal complaints through the Randolph County Magistrates Office resulted in the issuance of warrants for several counts of animal neglect, along with the depositing of deceased animals near water.
Charles and Leila Lansberry were both arrested on said warrants.
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