Sunday, February 21, 2016

West Virginia: Delena Baisden, 44, facing animal cruelty charges after dogs found dead

WEST VIRGINIA -- Graphic pictures of emaciated dogs that have been circulating Facebook have resulted in animal abuse charges in Mingo County.

 

Mingo County Prosecutor Teresa Maynard says Delena Baisden, 44, of Ragland, West Virginia, faces a charge of cruelty to animals.

Dogs were pictured covered and surrounded in feces, dead in their cages. A vet said the dogs died of starvation and hypothermia.

Baisden told West Virginia State Police troopers that she put the dog carcasses in a trash bag and threw them over a mountain.


Maynard said more charges could be filed in this case.

Baisden has since been released from custody on $3,000 bond.


Mingo County Sheriff's Office - On Thursday February 11, 2016 Sheriff James Smith received an animal cruelty complaint as well as photographs, via social Media. These photos showed two (2) Pit bulls, having no food and being exposed to extremely cold temperatures. The dogs also appeared to be severely emaciated and covered in their own feces. Deputy S. Messer was then dispatched to the home of Delena Baisden of Ragland, WV. Upon arrival Officer S. Messer was advised the animals were deceased and were no longer at the residence. 

After speaking to the defendant and interviewing several witness, the bodies of the 2 Pit bulls were recovered and taken to the Williamson Animal Hospital, Williamson, WV where a Necropsy was conducted by Veterinary L.S. Knowles. Dr. Knowles determined the cause of death to be hypothermia, secondary to starvation. Deputy S. Messer obtained warrants and charged Baisden with 2 counts of Cruelty to Animals. She was arraigned by Magistrate Brock Mounts.

Note: Online commenters say this isn't the first time she's done this.

(WSAZ - Feb 17, 2016)

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