KEARNEYSVILLE, W.Va. — A Jefferson County man faces charges in connection with the seizure of 21 pit bulls that authorities alleged were used in a dogfighting operation.
The animals were rescued from at a property on Bowers Road near Kearneysville Thursday morning.
Steve Jennings, the owner of the property where the dogs were confiscated, was charged with 14 felony counts of animal fighting.
Jefferson County Sheriff Pete Dougherty said that with assistance and coordination from the Humane Society of the United States and Jefferson County Animal Control officers, deputies executed a search warrant at Jennings’ property and found a site that was used to breed, fight and sell pit bulls.
The dogs were taken to a secure facility and will be treated for any injuries or illnesses.