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New Information: St. Albans Humane Officer Finds Dead Dog

Posted Sunday, January 18, 2009 ; 10:59 PM
Updated Wednesday, January 21, 2009 ; 09:20 AM

Officers seize another dog in poor condition.

Story by Nicky Walters

http://wowktv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=50270

St. Albans -- The severe weather can have deadly consequences for animals, especially those kept outdoors.

Sunday afternoon St. Albans Police seized a dog from a man they say works at a Kanawha County pet shop.

But for another dog on the property help came too late.

Neighbors in one St.Albans community were shocked when they saw a Great Dane still attached to a chain, lying dead in his dog house.

"No dog can stand to be outside 24-7 in this kind of weather," Rhonda Pauley, neighbor said.

"I find it repulsive that a human being could do this," Rebecca Rickaby, neighbor, said.

A St.Albans Humane Officer and St. Albans Police came to the house to investigate and found a second dog in poor condition. Police say both dogs belong to George Joyce, a manager at the Petland at Southridge.

"We did have an animal that died through the night of an unknown cause at this time," Lt. James Agee, St. Albans Police Department, said. "The other dog appeared to be severely dehydrated."

"The skin just hangs between the ribs on these dogs their backbone sticks up and looks like a skeleton," Pauley said.

The humane officer seized the female dog that was still alive. Police say they've been to the home before.

"These dogs are friendly, not mean and they are chained up outside in the weather and there is no excuse for that," Lt. Agee said.

Joyce says he rescued the Great Danes and believes the dog died of old age. Meanwhile Lt. Agee has a word of warning for other pet owners.

"If you are going to have a pet take care of the pet its not that hard"

Joyce agreed to allow the humane officer to take two cats and another dog that were being kept inside the house to the vet for evaluation.

St.Albans Police have not filed any charges against George Joyce at this time.

They're awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the dog's exact cause of death.

Experts say in severe cold temperatures pets should be brought indoors if possible. Very young and very old animals are especially vulnerable in freezing temperatures.

If pets cannot be brought inside they need proper shelter outside.

Doghouses should be made of wood or plastic because metal conducts cold. The house should be positioned in a sunny location. The house should be also off the ground several inches and have a flap over the door to keep out cold drafts.

Experts also recommend using straw for bedding because rugs and blankets can get wet and freeze.

In a response the charge, Petland issued the following statement: Petland Inc. was made aware of a news story early Monday morning, January 19, regarding George Joyce, an employee of the South Charleston, W. Va. store. The authorities were called to a residence that was associated with the employee on the complaint of a deceased dog. Petland Inc. acted immediately. The incident is in no way connected to the Petland store that employed the individual. However, a member of the operations team was dispatched immediately to inspect the West Virginia store that employed the individual to ensure the store continues to meet the high standards demanded in Petland’s Humane Care Guidelines. Petland Inc. is committed to animal welfare and raising the bar regarding humane care and quality standards, such as breeding, pet care, recovery of lost pets and responsible pet ownership. As such, Petland Inc. does not tolerate inadequate or substandard animal care. Petland notified the owner of the South Charleston store immediately Monday morning with great concern and was told that the employee’s employment at the store had been terminated.

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