***Trigger/Content Warning – This post contains images and descriptions of violence against dogs.***
By: Charleston Animal Society
The Orangeburg County Animal Control & Shelter has rescued three dogs seriously injured by gunshots since late January. The three separate incidents have prompted Charleston Animal Society to offer a $15,000 reward ($5,000 per incident) for the arrest and felony conviction of those responsible. If you have a tip, please call Orangeburg County Authorities at: (803) 534-0045 or (803) 534-3550.
“Through our No Kill South Carolina 2024 initiative, we remain committed to fighting cruelty wherever it exists,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE. “We are angry and we want those responsible for shooting these dogs caught and prosecuted and we fully support law enforcement efforts to bring the guilty parties to justice.”
According to reports from animal rescuers:
VICTIM 1: SAMPSON
The first victim is Sampson, who was shot in the face at point-blank range on January 25, 2022. Fortunately Sampson has made an incredible recovery after treatment at Columbia Veterinary Emergency Trauma and Specialty (CVETS).
Sampson was found shot in Orangeburg County on the side of the road. Sampson’s left eye had to be removed due to the damage sustained by the bullet and remaining fragments. In total, Sampson was hospitalized at CVETS for 9 days where he received 24/7 care from highly trained ICU nurses, veterinarians, and surgery nurses.
VICTIM 2: MARSHALL
The second victim is Marshall, a 10-month-old sweet and friendly boxer mix puppy, shot on a neighbor’s porch Saturday night, February 5, 2022. Marshall required a five-hour rear limb amputation at CVETS.
Marshall received blood during complications arising during surgery. Presently, Marshall is recovering well in a foster home in Columbia.
VICTIM 3: FRED
Friday, February 18, 2022, a report of an injured dog lying in a ditch for several days was called into the Orangeburg County Animal Control & Shelter.
Fred, a three-year-old male Boxer mix, was picked up by Animal Control that same day and brought into the shelter. Upon unloading Fred from the Animal Control truck, he was filmed walking on his two front legs with both his rear legs dangling behind him.
Fred was taken to CVETS that same day where he remains hospitalized pending bilateral rear limb amputation on Monday, February 21, 2022.
Fred and Marshall will be sent to Helping Hearts & Healing Tails Animal Rescue in Stahlstown, PA for permanent placement.
Sampson is now safe at Noah’s Ark Rescue Project and Sanctuary in Upper Uwchlan Township, PA.
CASES APPEAR TO BE INTENTIONAL ACTS OF CRUELTY
From initial reports, it appears that these cases may be an intentional act of cruelty under South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 47, Section 47-1-40:
(B) A person who tortures, torments, needlessly mutilates, cruelly kills, or inflicts excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering upon an animal or by omission or commission causes these acts to be done, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be punished by imprisonment of not less than one hundred eighty days and not to exceed five years and by a fine of five thousand dollars.
