WHITMAN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Dozens of charges have been levied against two Logan County residents regarding the decomposed carcasses of multiple animals discovered within a residence in which a number of living animals were also found.
According to the Logan County Magistrate Court documentation, on Thursday, February 29, 2024, Deputy T.C Johnson of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, along with Sheriff P.D. Clemens, and members of the Logan County Health Department and Code Enforcement, executed a search warrant at an address in the Whitman area of Logan County.
When officers arrived at the residence in question, 13 animals ranging from chickens, dogs and rabbits were discovered to have been left outside for an extended period in the elements without proper heating and sustenance to sustain life.
Officers entered the residence, which belonged to Ralph Adkins – 50 years old of Whitman, WV – where approximately 19 additional animals – which were deceased – were found within the confinements of the residence.
With regard to the conditions of the home, Deputy Johnson noted that the residence had not been kept in proper order to sustain life, revealing that multiple animal carcasses in various states of decay could be seen throughout the residence.
“The conditions surrounding said animals were less than adequate to sustain life,” said Johnson. “Officers located decomposed bodies of animals inside of totes which were stacked throughout the residence.”
It was additionally discovered that the residence did not have active electricity, and that electricity was being obtained by way of an extension cable supplying power from the residence of a nearby family member in the area.
Reports indicate that this power source had been disconnected by the co-defendant in the investigation, Kaleb Adkins – 20 years old of Whitman, WV – prior to the arrival of responding officers in an attempt to conceal the illegal means of obtaining power.
Ralph William Adkinus and Kaleb Anthony Adkins have been charged with procuring electricity, conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, and 32 counts of animal cruelty each.
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