Man convicted of animal abuse

BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) – The Fayette County Prosecutor’s Office announced that a man has been convicted of animal cruelty. The announcement and details were made in a press release from Prosecutor Anthony Ciliberti, Jr.

According to the release, on February 27, 2023, law enforcement responded to a reported disturbance at a home in Ansted. When they arrived at the home, police said people told them they heard 44-year-old Teddy E. Wood yelling and cursing, and they also heard a dog screaming. When police investigated, the news release said Wood hit a young dog with a metal pole and his fists.

The press release stated that when people tried to join in, Wood said it was his dog and he could do whatever he wanted. When police investigated, a mixed-breed female puppy was found outside the home where the incident occurred, according to the release. Police reported that the dog appeared scared and was unable to walk.

An animal control officer took the dog and took him to a local veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.

During the evaluation, the news release noted that the puppy’s pelvis was broken in two places, a tooth was chipped and the puppy had multiple cuts and abrasions. Although the dog recovered, police said he was limping noticeably.

According to the press release, Wood was sentenced to not less than one year and not more than five years in prison for the crime of animal cruelty. Wood must serve at least a year before he is eligible for parole.

Ciliberti Jr. also added that Wood may not own, possess or live with any animal for a period of fifteen years, according to West Virginia law.

The dog was eventually adopted through a rescue organization.

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