Berkeley County Sheriff's Office Spokesman Dan Moon said they will not search the property off of Howe Hall Road because they have enough evidence to charge the suspect. Loney Garrett of Garrett's Court in Goose Creek was arrested Monday and charged with animal neglect and cruelty to animals.
Police have charged Loney L. Garrett with 43 counts of ill treatment of animals, a felony.
Auhtorities say they removed forty-five dogs that were being kept in pens in the rear of the residence. The dogs appeared to be in bad health when they were taken for evaluation and treatment. Those treating the dogs say it appears they can all be saved and nursed back to health.
Moon said there is no official number yet, but they have identified the remains of over 200 dogs.
“The amount of dead animals, the rotting carcasses, dead beagles laying there rotting, that's unacceptable,” Animal Rescue & Relief (ARR) Executive Director Michelle Reid said. “There were rats in the stream nearby, dead carcasses in the stream. It's a hazard to people and animals.”
“The animals have a number of parasites,” Reid said. “Their gums were pale, which is usually an indication of them being anemic from having a large amount of parasites. They were malnourished beyond belief. They had open wounds, infections.
“These animals were not properly taken care of. He had a number of warnings. There is no excuse.”
When asked how the dogs died, Moon said some skulls were found with bullet holes, others may have been beaten or starved.
It was Monday when sheriff’s deputies discovered the remains after getting a search warrant based on complaints from those who lived near the property. Animal Control also took over 40 dogs from the property in poor health.
Garrett's bond hearing will be at 7pm Tuesday evening. Officials say at this time there are no other arrests expected.
(WCBD - Feb 12, 2013)
