FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – UPDATE 8/16/26 10:51 PM: A temporary way to access the Fayette County Animal Shelter has been established after Sunday’s storms left the facility without power, water and usable bridge access.
Fayette County Commissioner Chuck Miller led the effort to get the bridge temporarily plated, reaching out to local officials, workers and community members for help.
“Thank you to Oak Hill City Manager Tyler Bragg, Kyle Hobbs, Nick Milam and PJ Elder. Fayetteville City employee Mark Reed, Sonny Milam and Central Excavating owner John Legg and my son Noah Miller. I called asking for help and they all came together as a community to plate the bridge for the Fayette County Animal Shelter. There is nothing like team work and the brother hood of a community coming together for a great cause,” Miller said.
“Proud to work with these men as well as call them friends! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the Commission thanks you. If the animals could talk I’m sure they would thank you all as well! God Is Good!”
The Fayette County Animal Shelter announced Sunday evening that the work provides employees with a temporary way to safely move animals back and forth across the bridge on foot.
“This is only a temporary solution, but it is a HUGE step forward for us right now,” the shelter said.
Earlier Sunday, the shelter reported that it had suffered severe damage during the storm and was without power and water, while damage to the bridge prevented normal access to the facility. Officials said the animals were safe and being cared for but could not remain at the shelter long-term without an adequate water supply.
The shelter issued an urgent call for rescues, neighboring shelters, fosters and adopters to assist with placement of animals while officials determine the best path forward.
Shelter officials said Sunday evening they plan to begin contacting people who have offered assistance on Monday and asked for patience as they work through the situation.
The bridge work is only a temporary solution and does not restore normal vehicle access, but it provides shelter employees with a way to safely cross the bridge on foot.
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ORIGINAL STORY: The Fayette County Animal Shelter will temporarily close after suffering severe damage during storms Sunday, leaving the facility without power, water and a bridge providing access to the shelter.
According to the shelter, staff members, county officials and state officials are working together to determine how to safely access the facility and move forward with repairs.
Shelter officials said the animals currently at the facility are safe and being cared for. However, the animals cannot remain there long-term without an adequate water supply, and it is unclear how long repairs and access issues will take.
The shelter is now urgently seeking assistance from animal rescues, neighboring shelters, foster families and potential adopters to find permanent or temporary placement for animals currently in its care.
Officials are asking organizations and individuals who can help with placement to contact the Fayette County Animal Shelter through Facebook Messenger or by email at [email protected].
The shelter is also asking the public to share its request for assistance in an effort to reach additional rescues, shelters, fosters and adopters.
The damage comes as heavy rain and flooding caused problems across parts of Fayette County on Sunday.
