KINGWOOD — A Bruceton Mills couple is appealing the circuit court’s decision, which granted possession of their two dogs to the Preston County Commission.
James Tyler Ridenour and Heather Dawn Blake were charged with animal cruelty in December by Preston deputies. Those charges were dismissed last month at the request of the prosecutor.
In October, officers seized two Boxers from outside the couple’s home on Meadow Ridge Road. According to the criminal complaint, deputies went twice to the home and believed the dogs’ condition was worsening, so they seized them.
Circuit Judge Lawrance Miller Jr. found that the dogs, “were neglected and deprived of necessary medical care and sustenance.” The appeal will be heard March 15. The dogs remain in the possession of the county.
