Raleigh County, WV (WOAY)- A welfare check in Raleigh County led to a disturbing discovery this week.
Multiple decomposing dogs and dangerously unsanitary living conditions at a local home.
The West Virginia State Police were called after a neighbor reported a strong odor and that they had not seen the homeowner for several days.
When troopers arrived, they were met with an overwhelming stench and the sound of dogs barking inside the house.
Outside, officers discovered a pile of dead dogs decomposing beneath a window, their fur gone and maggots present.
Authorities secured a search warrant and returned the next day, taking 72-year-old Curtis Ransom into custody.
Ransom admitted to owning 24 dogs, 19 of which had died in just the past week. He claimed the animals had fallen ill and said he threw their bodies out the window, covering them with lime to mask the odor.
More remains were found buried in the backyard.
Inside, conditions were described as inhumane, with high ammonia levels and a space unfit for any living being.
The surviving dogs were rescued and turned over to the animal control agency.
Ransom now faces 19 counts of animal cruelty.
He awaits further court proceedings in Southern Regional Jail on a $100,000 cash bail.
The investigation is still ongoing.
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