- West Virginia, USA -
UPDATE: August 9, 2021
MICHAEL SCOTT ASPINALL II (pictured below) died in jail.
WTRF reports that Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla says ASPINALL was found dead in his cell on July 24, around 5:30 am.
Sheriff Abdalla says he believes the cause of death to be a heart attack but autopsy results are pending and will take 8-10 weeks for results.
~ Original story:
McMechen Police arrested 32-year-old MICHAEL SCOTT ASPINALL II and 39-year-old JASON THOMAS ASPINALL (both pictured below), for having warrants on felony animal cruelty charges.
The duo are accused of abandoning eight animals in a home in the Wintersville area.
Only one dog survived, a young Doberman now named Lucky.
Three cats, two other dogs, a fish, and a lizard were found lifeless.
WTOV9 reports “Lucky is not only a survivor, but a true hero.”
In fact, as reported by the news outlet, “Scratch marks on the outside of the other cages show Lucky tried to rescue his friends.”
The poor souls were found caged with no access to food or water, and based on the mail that built up, it is believed that they were abandoned for months.
Lucky was found on March 8. He was severely malnourished and his ribs were showing.
WTOV9 reports that a locksmith was sent to the home, which was foreclosed, and heard Lucky inside.
Jefferson County Humane Society Chief Humane Agent Brian Young responded to the scene.
Lucky was found just in time and according to Brandi Damewood-Denoon with the Jefferson County Humane Society, he could have been next.
Brandi said: “He had such an amazing will to survive, and he really didn't have much longer, probably within hours of demise. He would have passed away, too.”
Lucky is now doing well with his new siblings and his furever mom Nikki Kowalczyk.
The ASPINALLS are finally where they belong, behind bars at North Regional Jail, Moundsville.
Herald-Star reports that police notified Young about the arrest on Thursday evening, May 6.
Young told Herald-Star: “I don’t know a lot of the details. They got a tip, went and knocked on the door and ended up getting both of them at the same house.”
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
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