RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A welfare check led to a gruesome discovery this week when authorities found multiple decomposing dogs and unsafe living conditions at a Raleigh County residence.
The West Virginia State Police were called to the home after a neighbor, concerned about a strong odor of decomposition and not having seen the homeowner for days, contacted authorities.
When officers arrived, they noted a powerful stench coming from the property and heard multiple dogs barking inside. As they circled the home, they made a disturbing discovery: a pile of dead dogs lying against the side of the house beneath a window. The animals were reportedly in an advanced state of decomposition, with maggots present and no fur remaining.
A search warrant was quickly secured and executed the following day, July 4, at which point State Police placed Curtis Ransom in custody. Ransom admitted to officers that he had owned 24 dogs, and 19 had died within the past week. He told investigators the dogs had been suffering from an unknown illness and that he threw the deceased animals out a window, later covering them with lime in an attempt to control the odor. Additional dog remains were discovered buried under a tree in the backyard.
The interior of the residence was described as inhumane and hazardous, with a strong ammonia smell and conditions unsuitable for both animals and people. Authorities removed the remaining living dogs, placing them in the care of animal control.
Ransom was arrested and is facing 19 counts of animal cruelty. The investigation remains ongoing.
