BECKLEY, W.Va. – The Prosecuting Attorney for Fayette County announced a man has been sentenced for an animal cruelty crime. The announcement, and details, were made in a press release from Prosecuting Attorney Anthony Ciliberti, Jr.
According to the release, on February 27, 2023, law enforcement responded to a reported disturbance at a house in Ansted. When they arrived at the house, police said people told them they heard 44-year-old Teddy E. Wood yelling and cursing, and that they also heard a dog yelping. When police investigated, the press release said Wood was seen hitting a young dog with a metal pole and with his fists.
The press release said that when people tried to get involved, Wood said it was his dog and he could do whatever he wanted. When police investigated, according to the release, a female mixed-breed puppy was found outside the home where the incident happened. Police reported that the dog appeared scared and was unable to walk.
An animal control officer took the dog and took it to a local veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.
While being evaluated, the press release said it was found that the puppy’s pelvis was fractured in two places, a tooth was broken off, and the puppy had multiple cuts and abrasions. Though the dog recovered, police said it had a noticeable limp.
According to the press release, Wood was sentenced to not less than one year and no more than five years in prison for the felony offense of cruelty to animals. Wood has to serve at least one year before he is eligible for parole.
Ciliberti Jr., also added that Wood cannot own, possess, or live with any animal for a period of fifteen years, per West Virginia law.
The dog was eventually adopted through a rescue organization.
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