PHILIPPI, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Barbour County woman is facing animal cruelty charges after deputies discovered two dogs tangled around a tree without access to shelter, one of them severely malnourished.
According to authorities, the incident was reported around 1:44 p.m. on April 30, 2026, at a residence on Jade Drive in Philippi. When a deputy arrived, two large-breed dogs were found tethered to a tree behind the home, wrapped around both the tree and a nearby telephone pole.
Officials said neither dog had access to a proper shelter. One of the dogs—a brown male—appeared to be in poor condition, with ribs and hip bones visibly protruding.
After attempting to make contact at the home and receiving no response, the deputy—who recognized the residence from prior calls—identified the owner as Alexandra Christina Shreve. Both dogs were seized without incident and transported to the Barbour County Animal Shelter.
Later that evening, Shreve reportedly told deputies she had only left the dogs outside for “a few hours.”
Based on the conditions observed, Shreve has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty. The case remains under investigation.
