FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Fayette County Humane Society is speaking out after photos and accusations circulated on social media alleging mistreatment and neglect at the animal shelter.
According to a statement released by the shelter, deputies from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department visited the facility at 9:14 a.m. on July 9 in response to a formal complaint.
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Shelter staff say they welcomed the visit and that the photos currently being shared online were taken during that time—shortly after staff arrived and began their daily care routine.
The photos were part of the complaint and not intended for public release, the organization said.
The Humane Society emphasized that its employees work daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and that dogs are confined overnight for 14 hours.
During that time, animals relieve themselves in their kennels, and staff clean the kennels immediately upon arrival each morning. The shelter currently houses over 115 animals.
Shelter officials also released security footage and images to provide context. One image is stated to be from July 8 at 3:08 p.m. and shows eight dogs in crates due to a large intake of more than ten new dogs.
Staff reportedly stayed late that evening to complete health evaluations, vaccinations, and treatments.
The Humane Society disputed the timeline given by a person who claimed to have taken the photos while visiting the facility.
Surveillance footage shows that the person was at the shelter for only 28 minutes on July 8, not the two hours they claimed, and did not take photos of the kennels during that time, according to the Humane Society.
The organization also addressed a claim that a puppy adopted from the shelter was emaciated.
According to the statement, the puppy had been rescued by Animal Control and was cleared for adoption by a licensed veterinarian on June 24, 2025. The shelter confirmed the puppy was slightly underweight but denied any suggestion of neglect.
The organization encouraged concerned members of the public to visit the shelter in person, view footage, and ask questions.
