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Local Man Charged in Belmont County Dog Deaths

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A local man is facing felony charges after allegedly killing another man’s two pet dogs on Monday.

Michael Chedester of St. Clairsville was charged Wednesday morning with two counts of knowingly causing serious physical harm to a companion animal. The charges are fifth-degree felonies under the new Goddard’s Law enacted in May, which brings animal cruelty charges up from misdemeanor offenses as they were previously classified.

If convicted, Chedester could face six to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine, according to Belmont County Prosecutor Dan Fry, who is working with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department on the case.

Chedester’s employer, American Electric Power Ohio, also took action, announcing Wednesday it had terminated his employment.

“AEP expects the highest level of conduct from our employees, both on the job and outside of work,” said Melissa McHenry, director of external communications for AEP Ohio.

“We are saddened by the situation that unfolded this week involving an off-duty AEP Ohio employee and the death of two dogs. This individual is no longer employed by AEP.”

On Monday, Chedester allegedly shot and killed two dogs belonging to Pete Byers while in a tree stand hunting for deer. When confronted, Chedester allegedly admitted to killing the dogs, at which time Byers called police.

A Belmont County sheriff’s deputy arrived, along with game wardens, to take statements from both parties. Chedester was not arrested at the time.

The Belmont County Sheriff’s Department is working alongside the prosecutor’s office on the case, and Fry confirmed Wednesday that he had approved the filing of charges in Eastern Division Court.

A summons for Chedester’s arrest will be issued.

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