Lexington County, SC (WLTX) - A Gaston man is facing several charges after more than a dozen malnourished animals were found on his property.
A community tip lead deputies to two horses "in poor health" on the 200 block of Happy Town Road in Gaston. Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said the horses were "tied to stakes in the ground with short lead ropes.”
More animals, 13 dogs, a rabbit and a goat, were also discovered after a search of the property. Deputies say each animal was neglected, with little to no access to food, water or shelter.
Carl Kelly, 55, is charged with three counts of ill treatment of animals and a drug possession charge. He was released on a $2,500 bond after being booked at the the Lexington County Detention Center.
The two horses, along with the goat and rabbit, are receiving care from the sheriff's department, while the dogs were seized by the County of Lexington Animal Services for evaluation and treatment.