All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Update: Deputies arrest two for animal cruelty

Police Crime
File Photo

BUCKHANNON — Two Upshur County women have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after deputies seized more than 80 dogs being kept in “deplorable conditions” earlier this week.

“On Thursday, October 6, 2022, Rebecca Clark, age 41, and Denise Clark, age 61, of 2269 Selbyville Road, Rock Cave, W.Va. were arrested on one count each of animal cruelty, operating an unregistered kennel and conspiracy,” according to a press release from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office. “Both were arraigned before Magistrate [Mark] Davis and released on a $5,000 bond.”

The arrests were made three days after law enforcement officers seized dozens of dogs being kept in a single wide trailer on Selbyville Road while serving a search warrant Monday.

“On the morning of October 3, 2022, Upshur County Sheriff’s deputies, Upshur County Animal Control and Lewis County Animal Control executed a search warrant on Selbyville Road in Upshur County,” the press release states. “The search warrant was for suspected unlicensed breeding of dogs and failure to pay dog taxes. As a result of the search, 80 dogs were seized inside a single wide trailer. The dogs were being kept in deplorable conditions.”

The latest incident comes more than two years after 40 dogs were seized from an Abbott Road residence, according to a previous story.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Really Really Free Market and Community Potluck scheduled for Sunday, July 13

A community Really Really Free Market and potluck will be held Sunday, July 13, from 1–3 pm at Walnut and Chestnut streets, featuring free goods, services, food and opportunities to connect and volunteer.

Man arrested for attempted murder after allegedly attempting to run someone over in Walmart parking lot

Rayne Prince Marion Chuma was arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to hit a man with his vehicle in the Buckhannon Walmart parking lot before leaving the scene.

Suspect held without bail in Brushy Fork Road robbery case

Bruno Martins Ferreira has been arrested and is being held without bail on felony robbery and conspiracy charges after allegedly participating in an armed robbery at a Brushy Fork Road residence, during which $12,000 was transferred from the victim’s bank account.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: July 8, 2025

The Upshur County Board of Education has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting scheduled for July 8, 2025.

City of Buckhannon calendar: July 7-11, 2025

Buckhannon has announced a series of July public meetings, bulky item and yard waste collections, family-friendly events such as Festival Fridays, deadline reminders for firefighter applications, and performances of “Mamma Mia!” at the Colonial Arts Center.

Sherry Esenwein

Sherry Esenwein, a devoted educator, animal lover, and Buckhannon native, passed away peacefully at 71 in Annapolis, remembered for her adventurous spirit, cherished family, and lifelong dedication to teaching and her beloved dogs.

Summer Basketball League kicks off

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League began its season last week, featuring multiple games with standout performances from players such as Josh Trent, Andrew Holcomb, and Sterlin Thropp, while several matches ended in forfeits.

Post 7 falls in twin bill to Charleston

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered two losses to Charleston Post 56 on Sunday, dropping the first game 14-0 by mercy rule and falling 5-2 in the second despite a late rally.

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.