West Virginia couple arrested after child and dogs found in filthy, infested home
Authorities detained Dakota McIe, 23, and Ciarra Lacey, 22, on animal-abuse and child-neglect charges after a video showed a squalid house filled with waste, insects and three caged dogs.
Upshur County deputies arrested Dakota McIe, 23, and Ciarra Lacey, 22, after a concerned witness provided video evidence of their home’s deplorable condition on Aug. 5. The property was described as “repulsive,” covered in animal waste, human vomit, trash and rotting food, attracting massive fly infestations and emitting a nauseating odor. The child’s sleeping area was located amid the filth, and the house lacked air conditioning, with part of the bathroom unusable.
Investigators also discovered three dogs confined to urine-soaked cages with no apparent food or water, prompting animal-control officials to remove the animals. Child Protective Services intervened, placing the child—whose age and gender were not disclosed—into a grandparent’s care. Lacey is being held on a $30,000 cash-only bond, while McIe posted a $5,000 bond and was released on Aug. 11.
Why it matters
The case highlights severe child neglect and animal-abuse concerns, prompting law-enforcement and child-welfare intervention.
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