FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A disturbing case of animal neglect unfolded in Fayette County in November after authorities discovered nine pit bulls—four of them already dead—at a residence on Sharp Road.
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at approximately 8:12 a.m., the Fayette County Office of Emergency Services received a call from a family member, who reported that her brother, Jeremy Biggs, had been arrested days earlier and that his wife had abandoned several dogs on the property.
Animal Control Officer Jameson Shuff responded to the home at 101 Sharp Road to check on the animals’ welfare. What he found raised immediate alarm: a dog tied to a lead on the porch, three more confined in separate outdoor enclosures, and four puppies caged on the front porch—three already deceased.
Shuff notified deputies, who arrived to find the dogs in the same condition. Officers removed the surviving animals, though one critically ill puppy died en route to a veterinary clinic. Only eight dogs were recovered that day, despite reports that nine had been left behind.
Most of the animals appeared to be in poor physical condition, according to investigators.
Questions Raised About Caretaker’s Story
The following day, Nola Fitzgerald contacted authorities, providing messages from Jeremy Biggs indicating that nine dogs should have been at the residence. She also reported that one dog may have been left inside the home.
Biggs had been incarcerated since November 10 following a domestic incident involving his wife, Haley Biggs. A Domestic Violence Protective Order granted Mrs. Biggs control of the residence the next day, making her solely responsible for the animals.
When deputies reached Haley Biggs, she claimed she had tended to the dogs late on the night of November 19 and that all were alive at that time. Investigators knew this was false, as the dogs had already been removed earlier that day.
Biggs eventually admitted that another pit bull remained inside the house. Given the deteriorating condition of the animals found outside, as well as inconsistencies in her statements, deputies sought and obtained a search warrant.
Ninth Dog Found Dead Inside Home
On Thursday, November 20, officers executed the warrant and entered the home, where they discovered a single pit bull puppy deceased inside a cage in the living room. The animal was photographed and removed.
Additional information later surfaced from the West Virginia State Police indicating that Mrs. Biggs had previously admitted she couldn’t care for at least one of the dogs and had been told she could contact animal control if necessary.
Neglect Under Investigation
Authorities concluded that nine dogs had been left without adequate food or water for an unknown period. Five were found in severely poor health, and four died as a result of neglect, according to the investigation.
Deputies determined that Haley Biggs, who had sole control of the property, failed to provide basic care and did not seek help despite being advised she could contact animal control.
Charges in this case are for five counts of animal cruelty. She is out on bond.
