YORK COUNTY, SC (YCSO NEWS) – On May 21, 2020, York County Deputies along with York County Animal Control officers responded to a home near the 6100 block of Turkey Farm Road, Rock Hill, SC, after receiving information about possible animal abuse. Responding deputies and animal control officers located 4 pit bull dogs outside of the home.
After investigating the complaint, Animal Control issued violations as outlined in the York County Code of Ordinances: Chapter 55 for animals. Animal Control Issued 12 citations for the following violations:
• 55:18: Display of Rabies Inoculation
• 55.19: Restraint Requirements
• 55:25 Abandonment and Maltreatment
The only circumstances where law enforcement can legally remove an animal is where exigent circumstances exist or by court order. Exigent circumstances would be imminent danger of death or destruction of evidence. All dogs were examined and found to be nourished and healthy and no evidence of dog fighting or baiting existed.
York County Animal Control and YCSO Code Enforcement are following up with the dog owner to check if the ordinance violations have been addressed.
After partial details of this case was posted on social media, irresponsible and inaccurate information has been disseminated. The owner of these dogs has been charged and he has been instructed on what to do to be in compliance with the law.
There will be no further comment from the York County Sheriff’s Office concerning this case.