Saturday, April 30, 2011

Animal Cruelty Offender in Trouble Again

WEST VIRGINIA -- One year after 90 malnourished dogs, horses and mules were taken from his home in Prichard, Gary Belcher is in trouble again.

According to Wayne County Prosecutor Tom Plymale, Belcher was charged with two misdemeanors Thursday after seven dogs were taken from his home. Belcher was charged with fourth-offense cruelty to animals and violating an order that he was not to have dogs on his property for five years.


Anita Asbury at the Huntington-Cabell-Wayne Animal Shelter told WSAZ.com the dogs were underweight, and many of them had skin conditions. One seemed to have a large tumor on its neck.

The dogs are being taken to the vet Saturday morning to be checked out.

Belcher told WSAZ.com the dogs did not belong to him, that they belong to his son-in-law, Alfred Smith.

(WSAZ - April 29, 2011)