Ansted man sentenced to prison for punching, hitting dog with metal pole, fracturing animal’s pelvis

FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – An Ansted man was sentenced to prison on Friday in relation to an incident in which he violently attacked a dog with a metal pole.

According to Prosecuting Attorney for Fayette County , Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., in February 27, 2023, law enforcement officers were dispatched to an Ansted residence with regard to a reported disturbance.

Citizens reported to law enforcement that they had witnessed 44-year-old Teddy E. Wood striking a young dog with his fists and a metal pole. Attempts were made to intervene, though Wood insisted that the dog was his and that he could do what he wanted.

Further investigation revealed that the dog was a female mixed breed which was terrified and rendered unable to walk due to the abuse suffered at Wood’s hands.

An animal control officer took possession of the dog and transported it to a veterinarian for treatment and medical evaluation. There, it was determined that the animal had sustained multiple cuts and abrasions, suffered a broken tooth, and had its pelvis broken in two places.

The dog would eventually recover and be adopted through a rescue organization, though the animal still exhibits a noticeable limp.

Wood was sentenced on Friday by Circuit Judge Thomas H. Ewing to one-to-five years in prison for the offense of cruelty to animals. Wood plead guilty to this offense on August 12, 2024.

Wood must serve a minimum of one year in prison before potentially becoming eligible for parole. He will also be prohibited under West Virginia law from owning a living animal for at least fifteen years.

These crimes were investigated by members of the Ansted Police Department and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Prosecuting Attorney for Fayette County, Anthony Ciliberti, Jr.