WELCH, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A horrific case of animal cruelty in McDowell County has resulted in the arrest of a man accused of hanging a dog from a train trestle in broad daylight, in full view of bystanders.
According to the West Virginia State Police, Troopers J.S. Reedy and another responding officer arrived on Tug River Road just before noon Sunday after a witness reported seeing a man hang a dog from a train trestle. The witness, who had been fishing nearby, said he saw the black dog struggling to break free, while an African American male in an orange beanie and dark clothing fled the scene along the tracks.
By the time the witness reached the dog, it had already died. The suspect, later identified as Jack D. Stallsworth, was reportedly seen by others walking quickly toward Shannon Branch Road shortly after the incident.
Troopers located the scene and found a small black dog hanging from the trestle by a red cable leash. The animal showed clear signs of recent death—its tongue was blue, its muscles were limp, and feces were present beneath its body. Officers also noted a “No Trespassing” sign posted by Norfolk Southern Railway, as the trestle is part of an active railway and not open to the public.
Later that afternoon, officers followed up at a residence on Loop Seven Highway, where they questioned Stallsworth. Though he initially denied involvement, inconsistencies in his story led to his detainment. During questioning, he admitted to killing the dog, claiming the animal had previously killed several of his chickens.
According to his statement, Stallsworth tied a red cable leash around the dog’s neck and led it past the S.A.F.E. House in Welch and onto the train tracks. He then tied the cable to the trestle and pushed the dog over the edge. He told troopers the dog kicked and struggled for a while, and admitted he saw people yelling at him during the act. He claimed he “felt bad” but believed he was doing the right thing and said he would do it again if necessary.
Stallsworth was arrested and transported to the West Virginia State Police Welch Detachment for processing. He has been charged with Cruelty to Animals under W.Va. Code 61-8-19(b) and Trespassing under W.Va. Code 61-3B-3(a).
He is currently out on a 15,000 dollar bond.
