Sheriff’s Office Assists Humane Society with Livestock Investigation

Sheriff’s Office Assists Humane Society with Livestock Investigation

Diamond, WV — The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate loose and potentially abused pigs that had been damaging yards and property near 331 Rockwood Avenue in Diamond. Deputies responded late Friday night, October 31, 2025, to assist the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association with the investigation.

When deputies arrived, they found approximately 20 pigs in a fenced area with food, water, and shelter, as well as several baby pigs outside the enclosure on the property. None of the animals showed signs of neglect. Deputies had previously warned the resident, Melinda Mourey, for livestock trespassing under WV State Code 19-18-3.

Mourey told investigators she had been separated from her husband and was working with a licensed livestock rescue group to rehome the pigs. Deputies confirmed the rescue’s involvement.

Mourey cooperated with the investigation and consented to the pigs’ removal. She received a criminal citation for a second offense of livestock trespassing, which is a non-jailable misdemeanor. Her husband, George Mourey, received a first-offense warning.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office conferred with the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and will continue assisting the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, the WV Department of Agriculture, and an animal rescue organization as the animals are relocated.

Deputies found no evidence of animal cruelty or neglect during the investigation.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.