A 77-year-old Berkeley County man, Loney Leroy Garrett, is back in the court system, facing 74 animal cruelty-related charges after more than 30 dogs were seized from his property. This marks the second time since 2013 that Garrett has faced such serious charges, and animal advocates are now calling for stronger animal protection laws in South Carolina.
Conditions Found at Garrett’s Property
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office reported that officers found 35 dogs living in deplorable and unsanitary conditions at Garrett’s property. The dogs were confined in feces-filled crates with urine-soaked wooden boards. According to the Berkeley County Animal Cruelty Investigator, the dogs had no access to clean drinking water or proper food. Their water buckets were contaminated with feces.
Previous Convictions for Animal Cruelty
This is not Garrett’s first encounter with the law regarding animal abuse. In 2013, Garrett was convicted of 10 counts of animal cruelty after investigators discovered 200 dogs buried in his yard. He was sentenced to two years in prison and placed on five years of probation. Originally charged with 43 counts, he was convicted on only 10 charges.
Calls for Stricter Laws
Animal caretakers and advocates are speaking out, urging the state to implement stricter laws to prevent known animal abusers from owning animals again. Cara Lanphere, an animal shelter volunteer, said, “There should be laws for preventing people who are known animal abusers and neglect animals from ever owning an animal again.”
Currently, someone convicted of felony animal cruelty can face less than a year to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, but many feel that these punishments are not enough to prevent repeat offenses.
Joe Elmore, the President and CEO of Charleston Animal Society, added that there’s a clear link between animal cruelty and human violence, and failing to punish animal abuse could lead to even more serious crimes in the future.
Seized Dogs Await Custody Hearing
The 35 dogs rescued from Garrett’s property are now being cared for at the Charleston Animal Society Berkeley location. They are awaiting a custody hearing to determine who will be responsible for their care.
Elmore emphasized that the best outcome for the animals would be for Garrett to surrender them so they can begin finding permanent homes for the dogs. “We hope the court system does not delay the process,” Elmore said, adding that they are waiting for an emergency custody hearing to either gain temporary or permanent custody of the animals.
Financial Burden on Shelters
Elmore also stressed the financial burden placed on shelters like his, saying that laws should be strengthened to ensure that those who abuse animals help cover the costs of their care. “We need to recoup those costs instead of relying on donations and taxpayers,” he said.
Preventing Future Abuse
To prevent further cases like Garrett’s, Lanphere urges the public to report cases of suspected animal abuse. She encourages people to call in if they notice neglected animals or something that doesn’t seem right, as this can help stop abuse before it gets worse.
Lanphere also calls on the public to advocate for change by writing to their legislators and demanding stronger animal protection laws. “Everyone involved in lawmaking in South Carolina should hear from you if you have a concern,” she said.
Next Steps for Garrett’s Dogs
Elmore mentioned that they are expected to find out next week whether they will officially have custody of Garrett’s dogs. Once custody is granted, the dogs will be prepared for adoption.
As the case against Loney Leroy Garrett continues, animal advocates are pushing for stronger animal protection laws to prevent future cruelty. While the dogs rescued from Garrett’s property are receiving care, the situation highlights the need for stricter punishments and better prevention measures to protect animals in South Carolina.