Documents reveal conditions of animals in Longs area dogfighting, abuse case
HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) - More details have been released in a months-long animal abuse investigation in the Longs area.
Warrants obtained by WMBF News say that on July 17, the Horry County Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division executed a search warrant when the Horry County Environmental Services unit received a tip from an anonymous community member.
Authorities searched the following properties:
- Two locations in the 3000 block of Rainbow Drive in Longs
- One location in the 2000 block of Sunny Heights in Longs
- Two locations in the 100 block of Babe Lane
Documents state that video footage showed dirty water bowls, lack of food, dogs covered in feces, and inadequate housing for the animals.
According to reports, several Pitbulls were found, and the dogs had visible scarring, heavy chains with evidence of dog fighting.
19 dogs were reportedly found at Sunny Heights and Rainbow Drive, 39 were found at Babe Lane, with 58 dogs total removed from four of the five properties, the incident report said.
Officers did not find any dead dogs.
“Cases involving the mistreatment of animals are deeply concerning and emotional for our community,” said Captain Crystal Buckingham. “Our priority throughout this investigation has been ensuring the health and safety of the animals while conducting a thorough investigation that will withstand the court process and ultimately lead to successful prosecution.”
PREVIOUS: 58 dogs recovered in animal mistreatment investigation near Longs
Last Friday, Jachym Evans, 20, Themontres Livingston, 24, and Jemar Dwight Chestnut, 44, were charged with criminal conspiracy.
After executing the search warrants, Chestnut received more charges, including 33 counts of felony ill treatment of animals, 26 counts of animal fighting, and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person prohibited.
In 2023, police arrested Chestnut for similar charges. Public records show he served jail time for that case.
He received 29 counts of ill-treatment of animals and 36 counts of harboring animals for fighting.
Arrest warrants for that case show that 36 American pitbull/terrier dogs were found on the property on Highway 57 South near Wampee, along with evidence of dog fighting.
WMBF asked HCPD how Chestnut was permitted to own animals again after his 2023 charges.
“We do follow up, and again, because of the organization and network, they tend to move around. There are a lot of moving parts,” said Buckingham. “It can be difficult to keep up with, and that’s why we rely on the community to give us these tips.”
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The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted, and a North Carolina-based dog rescue organization will provide care for the animals in the current investigation.
The police department expressed appreciation for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and numerous local, state, and federal partners.
The department encourages anyone who witnesses suspected animal cruelty or neglect to report it to law enforcement.
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