Wetzel County Commission President Lisa Heasley and Wetzel County Animal Shelter Director Pam Ferrall, listen as Commissioner Nelsen makes motion on the construction of a temporary large animal shelter.

On Friday afternoon at 1 p.m., Wetzel County Commission President Lisa Heasley called a special emergency meeting of the commission to address an important issue regarding animals. Immediately upon convening the meeting, the members went into executive session due to the nature of the business.

After 45 minutes, the commission came out of the executive session and went into an open meeting. At that point, Commissioner Kelly Nelsen motioned to authorize the County Commission to provide funds for Sheriff Eric Daugherty to seize control of some alleged abused farm animals. The commission also authorized funds to make accommodations for the animals. Commissioner Carla McBee seconded the motion and the vote of the commission was unanimous.

Commissioner Nelsen made another motion for the commission to authorize Project Coordinator Bengy Swanson to authorize and allow him to start construction of a temporary emergency shelter at the Thistle Dew Farm location owned by the commission for the housing of the animals in question. Commissioner McBee seconded the motion and it passed by vote unanimously.

The large farm animals in question are part of an investigation concerning abuse in Wetzel County. Prosecutor Tim Haught declined any further comment pending the results of the investigation which could lead to formal charges and an indictment.