HURRICANE, WV (LOOTPRESS) — Two men are facing animal cruelty charges after authorities rescued an extremely malnourished German Shepherd from deplorable living conditions at a Hurricane residence last month.
On July 22, 2025, Hurricane Police Patrolman Brady Burton received a call reporting an animal cruelty complaint at 125 Taylor Street. The caller claimed a German Shepherd was living in a garage and apartment with no air conditioning and in poor health.
Hurricane Code Enforcement Officer Danny Brickles responded to the scene, where he encountered a visibly upset neighbor who expressed concern for the dog. Brickles contacted the city’s animal control officer, Ronnie Woodall, who coordinated with the Putnam County Animal Shelter.
When officials arrived, Animal Control Officer Jeff Thomas had already removed the dog from the garage. Authorities said the animal’s rib cage and hip bones were protruding, both eyes were infected, and it was infested with fleas. The garage floor was covered in rotting feces, with no food or water available.
The dog’s owner, identified as Matthew Scott McCloud, 25, reportedly admitted the neglect, telling officers, “I know, I’m sorry. It’s just been a bad year.” Shelter Director Kaitlin Johnson, a certified animal cruelty investigator, described the case as “textbook animal cruelty” and transported the dog for emergency veterinary care.
McCloud was arraigned and is currently being held at Western Regional Jail.
The following day, Brickles spoke with McCloud’s father, Kenny McCloud, 62, who was living in the attached home. Authorities say Kenny admitted hearing the dog whining but never checked on its condition or provided food or water. Brickles condemned the house as uninhabitable.
Both Matthew and Kenny McCloud are now charged with animal cruelty. The rescued German Shepherd is receiving medical treatment.
