Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : February 8, 2006

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Lt. Harry Shaver, Law Enforcement Section, Romney WV (304) 822-3551 law@wvdnr.gov

Investigation Continues in Hampshire County Dead Animal Dump Case

  Hampshire County Sheriff's Department Deputies and West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Conservation Officers continue to investigate the illegal dumping of nearly 250 dead animals near Capon Bridge, WV. Metal tags and paper documentation attached to some of the animals have been traced to animal shelters in Virginia and Maryland. These animal shelters are cooperating in the investigation. All have had a contract or account with a common crematory facility in Virginia for the disposal of animals from their shelters. This crematory facility is believed to have been inoperative when the animals were dumped in West Virginia.

  Over two tons of dead animals, primarily dogs and cats, were removed from the Ritter's Hidden Valley site last week. The WV State Health Department believes that the dead animal carcasses could have posed a potential environmental and human health risk. Analysis of water samples collected at the site by WV State Health Department officials has not been completed.

  Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact the Hampshire County Sheriff's Department at 304-822-3894 or the WV DNR Law Enforcement Section at 304-822-3551.

**DNR**