Earlier this week, someone abandoned 18 small dogs near a busy intersection in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Unfortunately, one dog died after being struck by a vehicle. In response, the Charleston Animal Society is offering a $2,500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the responsible individual(s) (abcNEWS4).
Authorities Seek Community Help
Charleston Animal Society Chief Operating Officer Aldwin Roman stressed the seriousness of the situation. “Abandoning any animal, particularly a group, is a serious crime. It endangers both the animals and the public. Therefore, we hope the community will help law enforcement identify and hold the perpetrators accountable.”
South Carolina law under Code 47-1-70 strictly forbids animal abandonment. The law defines abandonment as “deserting, forsaking, or intending to give up an animal without securing another owner or providing the necessities of life.” Violators can face prosecution if convicted.
Rescue and Care Efforts
On Monday morning, the Goose Creek Police Department received reports of dogs roaming near Red Bank Road and Highway 52. Consequently, Animal Control quickly recovered 17 chihuahua-dachshund mix dogs and transported them to the Charleston Animal Society’s Berkeley campus in Moncks Corner for evaluation. Sadly, authorities discovered one dog dead near the location where the others were abandoned.
Roman highlighted the strain on the shelter. “Handling so many dogs at once stretches our resources. Meanwhile, our staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to care for each animal. Therefore, adoption helps us focus on urgent cases like this one.”
How the Public Can Help
The Charleston Animal Society urges the public to support them by visiting either the Berkeley or Main Campus to adopt dogs. Adoption not only gives the animals loving homes but also allows staff to focus on proper care for newly arrived animals.
Anyone with information about this case should contact the Goose Creek Police Department tip line at 843-863-5200. Authorities and the Charleston Animal Society are actively working to identify and prosecute those responsible.
