Couple arrested for keeping child in filthy West Virginia home

In West Virginia, a couple was arrested after a child and three dogs were found living in a filthy home filled with trash and waste. On August 5, police were alerted by a witness who provided video evidence of the deplorable conditions, which included animal feces and human vomit. The child was placed in the custody of a grandparent, while the couple faces charges of child neglect and animal abuse.

Couple arrested for keeping child in filthy West Virginia home
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Published Aug 13, 2026

Topic overview

Briefly

  • A concerned witness provided video evidence of a filthy home where a child and three dogs were living.
  • Authorities found the residence infested with insects and filled with trash, feces, and vomit.
  • The couple faces serious charges, raising awareness about child and animal welfare issues.

What happened

In West Virginia, a couple was arrested after authorities discovered a child and three dogs living in deplorable conditions. On August 5, a concerned witness provided police with video evidence showing the interior of the couple's home, which was filled with trash, animal feces, and human vomit. The living environment was described as 'repulsive,' with swarms of flies in the kitchen and heaps of rotting food. The home lacked air conditioning, and parts of the bathroom were unusable. Investigators found the dogs confined in cages without food or water, prompting animal control to intervene. Child Protective Services took custody of the child, whose age and sex were not disclosed, placing them with a grandparent. Dakota McIe, 23, and Ciarra Lacey, 22, face charges of animal abuse and child neglect. Lacey is currently held on a $30,000 cash-only bond, while McIe was released on a $5,000 bond on August 11. This incident highlights serious issues of neglect and abuse, raising concerns about the welfare of vulnerable individuals in such environments.

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Updated Aug 13, 2026

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