PHILIPPI – A Barbour County woman faces charges after two dogs in her care were allegedly found “tangled” around a tree and telephone pole, with one dog appearing “very malnourished.”

Alexandra Christina Shreve, 34, is charged with two counts of cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor. Shreve was being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $5,000 10% cash bond that has since been posted.

According to the criminal complaint, filed by Corporal Joseph D. Barcus with the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office, around 1:44 p.m. on April 30, Barcus received a complaint regarding a dog “wrapped around a tree” at a residence on Jade Drive in Philippi.

Upon arrival, Barcus observed two large-breed dogs tethered to a large tree on the backside of the property, the complaint states. Neither dog reportedly had access to shelter and were both tangled around the tree, as well as a telephone pole directly behind it. Barcus writes that “the brown dog” appeared to be very malnourished as his hipbones were “protruding out” and his ribs were “visibly clear.”

Barcus attempted to make contact with someone in the residence, but no one appeared to be home, the complaint states. Based on prior calls of service at this residence, Barcus allegedly knew that Shreve lived in the home. After leaving a business card at the door, Barcus seized both dogs without incident and transported them to the Barbour County Animal Shelter.

Shreve allegedly called the Sheriff’s Office around 7:31 p.m. and spoke with Deputy Boise, the complaint states. Shreve reportedly stated that she had only left her dogs outside for “a few hours.”