From WRIL - The Big One -
Two people charged in one of the worst cases of animal cruelty seen by Middlesboro and Bell County authorities in almost two decades, had a jury trial Monday, August 12, 2024.
Woodrow and Althea Wyatt were in Bell County District Court after being charged in July of 2023 with (77) seventy-seven counts of animal cruelty by Middlesboro Officer Bucky Harris.
The charges were lodged after Harris and other officers, along with Bell County Animal Control Director Patsy Bracken and County Attorney Chris Douglas, found dozens of dogs at the Wyatt's residence in multiple cages stacked on upon the other with the animals defecating on the ones below them. The animals had little to no water or food.
In an outside block building more dogs were found with matted hair and mange so bad they were unable to walk. Unfortunately, nine of the dogs had to be euthanized. At another property belong to the Wyatt's, a dog was found to be malnourished and was removed. In all, 77 animals were taken including a cat, 13 rabbits, and 63 dogs.
Friends of the Bell County Animal Shelter assisted the shelter in finding rescues to help the pets that were removed. For P.E.T.SAKE and Noah’s Arc took 37 of the dogs into rescue. Noah’s Arc also donated a van to the Animal Shelter to assist in transport of the animals. Kentucky Paws of London and The Kentucky Division of the Humane Society also took in several of the animals.
The agreement between prosecutors and the Wyatt's lawyer Brandon West states that the pair was found guilty, but some of the charges were amended.
Woodrow Wyatt was sentenced to two years in the Bell County Detention Center with all but (30) thirty days suspended - served on weekends - followed by (9) nine months of home incarceration. The remainder of the time he will be on probation. He is also ordered to pay the Friends of the Shelter $15,000.00 and not own or take care of an animal during his probation. He is ordered to report to jail on September 6, 2024.
Althea Wyatt is also not permitted to own or take care of any animals. Counts 2-77 were dismissed against her, but she did plead guilty to an amended charge of criminal mischief - 2nd degree, which was probated for two years.
Officer Harris tells us that he is glad that the Friends of the Shelter will be receiving the money to help other animals in the area.
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