SOUTH CAROLINA — A Saluda County man has been charged after authorities say more than 20 dogs were found injured and chained on his property.
According to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), agents executed a search warrant on March 24 at the home of 31-year-old Devante Ryheem Scott. During the search, agents located 22 dogs on the property.
Arrest warrants state that several of the dogs had scarring and open wounds. Investigators also reported the animals were restrained using heavy logging-style chains and were kept in close proximity to one another.
Authorities said overturned barrels were being used as makeshift shelters for the dogs. Officials believe the conditions in which the animals were kept could cause them to remain in an agitated state, which is commonly associated with dog fighting operations.
Scott has been charged with animal fighting or baiting and ill-treatment of animals. He was booked into the Saluda County Detention Center.
The case will be prosecuted by the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
