GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – A Goose Creek man is facing dozens of animal‑cruelty and state health‑violation charges after Berkeley County deputies seized more than 30 dogs from his property, authorities said.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, 77‑year‑old Loney Leroy Garrett of Garretts Court was arrested Wednesday and charged with 35 counts of ill treatment of animals, 35 counts of no rabies inoculations, and four counts of improper burial. The charges follow a June 22 investigation into what deputies described as severe neglect involving the care and housing of dogs on the property.
Deputies responding to the residence discovered 35 dogs living in what investigators called deplorable and unsanitary conditions. According to the sheriff’s office, the animals were confined in crates filled with feces, and the wooden boards beneath them were soaked in urine. The county’s Animal Cruelty Investigator reported that the dogs had no access to clean drinking water or adequate food. Water buckets found on the property were filled with dirty, feces‑contaminated liquid.
📣 STAY IN THE LOOP 📣
📰 Sign Up for Berkeley County, SC Newsletter ⬅️
A search warrant executed at the scene led to the discovery of bones and skulls belonging to four deceased animals. Investigators said two of the skulls were buried just below the surface.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation also revealed that Garrett had transported dogs from Tennessee into South Carolina without the required health certificates or proof of rabies vaccinations. None of the 35 dogs found on the property were properly inoculated for rabies, a violation of state law.
“These were not just violations of the law, these were acts of cruelty and neglect that put both animals and our community at risk,” Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis stated. “Our Animal Cruelty Investigator, along with Berkeley County Animal Control and the Charleston Animal Society spent hours at the property to rescue the dogs that were in poor living conditions.”
All dogs removed from the property are now receiving veterinary care and evaluation, according to the sheriff’s office.
Garrett’s son, Loney Garrett Jr., has also been charged with one count of ill treatment of animals.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing
