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SALUDA, S.C. – A man from Saluda County is facing serious charges after authorities discovered 22 “pit bull style dogs” living in deplorable conditions on his property, according to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
On Tuesday, March 24, Devante Ryheem Scott, 31, was arrested and charged with Animal Fighting or Baiting as well as Ill Treatment of Animals. He was subsequently taken to the Saluda County Detention Center.
Arrest warrants revealed disturbing details from the investigation. Officials executing a search warrant found numerous dogs suffering from scarring, open wounds, and housed in substandard conditions. The animals were also found restrained by heavy chains.
Additionally, the warrants noted the presence of several blue barrels scattered across the property, which had been repurposed as makeshift shelters for the dogs.
In a bid to provide relief, Saluda County Animal Services managed to rescue six of the dogs. The remaining 16 were entrusted to a rescue organization based in Charlotte for care and rehabilitation.
The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office and the local animal rescue organization assisted SLED in the case.