Mingo County Woman Charged with Animal Neglect After Dogs Found in Poor Condition

MINGO COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A woman is charged after dogs were neglected, with no food or water, and some had hip bones visible.

On September 6, 2024, officers responded to a report of several dogs in poor condition without access to food or water at a residence. After initial warnings from Corporal M. Mounts and Deputy J. May, the dogs’ owner, Helen Sue Pennington, was advised to improve the condition of the animals or find proper placement for them.

Deputy Tiller followed up on the case and discovered that the dogs, which were tied up outside, remained in poor health. One dog was found wrapped around a porch post with no room for movement, while none of the dogs had access to food or water. Their ribs and hip bones were visible, indicating severe malnutrition.

Deputy Tiller provided water to the animals from his patrol vehicle and contacted local animal rescue organizations to find placement for the dogs. Despite prior warnings, Pennington made no efforts to improve the dogs’ condition or find them proper care.

Pennington now faces charges of animal neglect , and the dogs are being placed in the care of rescue organizations.