Raleigh County Sheriff Jim Canaday says his office takes reports of animal neglect seriously

Jessica Farrish
·2 min read
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BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — With Humane Society of Raleigh County officials calling for spay and neuter laws, and animal shelters on “code red” as they have no room for stray dogs and cats, HSRC Director Brett Kees has said his office is witnessing a rise in the number of cases involving mistreatment of animals.

Kees and other HSRC staff have reported dogs are being left in dumpsters to die, forced outside in crates without shelter and food and dropped off to fend for themselves.

Raleigh County Sheriff Jim Canaday said on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, that deputies thoroughly investigate reports of animal cruelty and neglect and file charges, accordingly.

“Any investigation law enforcement is involved in, including the animal investigations, we always try to charge appropriately,” he said.

Humane Society of Raleigh County calls for spay and neuter law, again

On Monday, February 26, 2024, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office deputies assisted Raleigh County Animal Control officers in a rescue of two dogs at Mount Williams Mobile Home Park near Sophia, after a neighbor posted to her Facebook page a picture of a starving dog at the trailer and called Raleigh County 911 throughout the weekend to get help.

After an investigation, Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield issued arrest warrants for two adults in the residence, 31-year-old Kenneth McKinney and 32-year-old Tiffany Harrison.

McKinney and Harrison are both charged with felony animal neglect, Sheriff Canaday said on Wednesday.

“We’ve all seen the pictures, but sometimes the pictures can’t, necessarily, tell the story of the investigation,” said Sheriff Canaday. “In this particular instance, it appears that they did.

“We can’t influence an investigation solely by the pictures,” he added. “We have to be very thorough, and during the investigation, there was certainly enough probable cause, I think, to warrant the charges that were leveled.”

Two people arrested in animal cruelty investigation in Raleigh County

HSRC officials said a veterinarian’s report showed both dogs were dehydrated, had shrunken muscles and were malnourished.

Sheriff Canaday said the veterinarian’s report played a crucial role in the decision to file charges.

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