Man arrested after 8 dogs, including puppies, found malnourished

BELTON, S.C. (FOX Carolina/Gray News) - A man was arrested and eight dogs, including four puppies, were taken from his home in South Carolina after they were found to be malnourished.

James Louie Conard, 49, was arrested Thursday by Anderson County Sheriff’s Office detectives and charged with eight counts of ill treatment of animals. He was later released after posting bond, according to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators with the agency’s Animal Control Unit opened an inquiry in early September after receiving complaints about conditions at the property inside the Belton city limits. Deputies reported finding multiple malnourished, underweight dogs without adequate water or veterinary care.

Authorities initially issued Conard a notice to comply, directing him to correct the violations and secure veterinary treatment. Investigators later obtained a search warrant after determining Conard had not met those requirements, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies seized eight dogs and took them to Anderson County PAWS. An initial medical examination found the animals were dehydrated, infested with fleas and internal parasites, had overgrown toenails, and at least one dog was severely malnourished.

Conard surrendered custody of the animals to the shelter, officials said. The dogs will be made available for adoption or transferred to rescue organizations once full medical and behavioral evaluations are completed.