86 Dogs including 4 Dead Dogs Seized from Hancock County Kennel in Need of Veterinary Care

WEST VIRGINIA -- More than 80 dogs were seized from the Destiny Havanese Kennel in Weirton Thursday after a search of the premises by authorities revealed the owners failed to meet requirements of a newly adopted breeders law.

The Hancock County Sheriff's Department, along with an Animal Control Officer, seized eight-two live dogs and four deceased dogs from the kennel, which is owned and operated by Elizabeth Tustin also known as Liz Vargo, according to a press release.

 

 

The press release went on to say Sheriff's deputies and Animal Control paid a visit to the kennel, before the seizure, as a courtesy to alert the owner of the requirements of the newly adopted Breeders Law and Registration in Hancock County. Observations made at the time of that visit provided probable cause for a search warrant.

Officers were on scene for several hours and removed the animals along with other evidence relating to the care of the animals and the operation of the kennel.

According to authorities the 82 dogs were of various ages and some were in need of immediate veterinary and hygienic care.

Charges of animal neglect are pending and authorities say they expect multiple counts as a result of what was found.

The dogs are still in the process of being evaluated and based on those finding, more charges may be filed, according to the press release.

(WTRF - Nov 20, 2014)