Laurens County, SC – Two Laurens residents were arrested after deputies found a deceased and severely neglected dog along Midway School Road in Cross Hill.
According to the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Control responded February 3 to a report of a doghouse discarded on the roadside. Deputies discovered a dead dog inside the doghouse with a chain still attached to its neck. Officials said the animal appeared severely malnourished.
Investigators later identified the individual who allegedly discarded the dog and the dog’s owner. At the owner’s residence, authorities located another dog described as severely emaciated but alive. The surviving animal was removed from the property and received immediate medical care, officials said.
Leroy Todd of Laurens was arrested Wednesday, February 12, and charged with two counts of ill treatment of animals. Sammie Price of Laurens was arrested February 9 and charged with littering in connection with discarding the deceased dog and doghouse, according to deputies.
Sheriff Don Reynolds called the case an example of cruelty and neglect that has no place in the community, adding that Animal Control staff worked diligently to ensure the surviving dog received treatment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The case may draw attention from local students and young residents following developments in animal welfare enforcement.
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