The Goose Creek Police Department received calls Monday morning, Aug. 25, reporting that more than a dozen small dogs were running at large near the intersection of Red Bank Road and Highway 52.
Over the following days, Animal Control officers recovered 17 chihuahua-dachshund mixed-breed dogs from the area and brought them to Charleston Animal Society’s Berkeley Campus in Moncks Corner to be assessed for injury or illness.
One small dog, believed to be linked to the case, was found dead in the street near where the other dogs were recovered, reportedly struck by an oncoming vehicle. Animal Control continues to patrol the area in search of any remaining dogs.
Charleston Animal Society has offered a $2,500 reward for information submitted to the Goose Creek Police Department that leads to the arrest and conviction for animal abandonment of those responsible. Tips can be called in at (843) 863-5200 or emailed to crimetips@cityofgoosecreek.com
“Abandoning any animal, especially a group of animals like this is a serious crime that poses extreme dangers to not only the dogs involved, but also the public,” Charleston Animal Society Chief Operating Officer and Vice President Aldwin Roman said. “It is our hope that the community will be able to assist law enforcement in finding the individuals responsible and holding them accountable.”
Under South Carolina Code § 47-1-70, abandonment involves deserting or giving up an animal and failing to provide the "necessities of life." These necessities include adequate food, water, and shelter.
“As we work with animal control and the police to address this matter, our shelter resources are extremely strained by the sheer number of dogs entering our care all at once,” explained Roman. “In the meantime, we ask that anyone interested in helping our organization during this challenging time considers visiting either our Berkeley or Main Campus to adopt, which allows our staff and volunteers to better focus on the care of the dogs brought in from this case.”