A West Virginia couple, Dakota McIe, 23, and Ciarra Lacey, 22, were arrested on charges of animal abuse and child neglect after a witness provided authorities with a video of their squalid home. The Upshur County Sheriff's deputies responded to the residence on August 5.
The home was described as "repulsive," littered with animal feces, human vomit, and piles of trash, particularly in areas near where the child slept. According to records reviewed by WDTV, swarms of flies were present in the kitchen, orbiting rotting food, and a strong odor permeated the residence, which lacked air conditioning. A portion of the bathroom was also found to be unusable.
Deputies also discovered three dogs confined in cages that reeked of urine and contained no visible food or water. Animal control was called to the scene to seize the animals. Child Protective Services were also involved, and the child was placed in the custody of a grandparent. The age and sex of the child were not immediately released.
Lacey is being held at Tygart Valley Regional Bail on a $30,000 cash-only bond. McIe was released on August 11 after posting a $5,000 bond.